linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwist 

1

: a person accomplished in languages

especially : one who speaks several languages

2

: a person who specializes in linguistics

Examples of linguist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Correspondences such as these are addressed in more detail by what’s called Grimm’s Law, a system of patterns named for the nineteenth-century linguist and folklorist Jacob Grimm—yep, the same Grimm who, along with the other Grimm brother, Wilhelm, published Grimm’s Fairy Tales. —Martha Barnette august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025

Institutions are rolling out detection software, cracking down on AI use in syllabi, and encouraging faculty to read student work like forensic linguists. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

His name was Lin Yutang, a noted linguist and writer from southern China. —Emily Feng, NPR, 5 July 2025

Leslie’s accidental discovery aligned with the lines of a renowned linguist. —Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from New Latin linguista, from Latin lingua "tongue, speech, language" + -ista -ist entry 1 — more at tongue entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwəst 

1

: a person skilled in languages

2

: a person who specializes in linguistics