linguistic

adjective

lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwi-stik How to pronounce linguistic (audio)
variants or less commonly linguistical
Synonyms of linguisticnext
: of or relating to language or linguistics
linguistic scholars
linguistic changes
linguistically adverb

Examples of linguistic in a Sentence

the age at which children begin to acquire linguistic skills
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But what recurs now is pure linguistic gesture—the second time as empty effigy. Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026 Today the small community is known for the preservation of its African heritage and distinctive linguistic, social, religious, and musical traditions that have endured for centuries. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026 Given the linguistic and ethnic diversity of Cameroon, Leo is calling on Cameroonians to envision how Christianity can become a unifying force for peace in a nation still struggling with a colonial legacy of division. Mathew Schmalz, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026 That is often how it is pronounced when spoken, due to the linguistic phenomenon of elision, in which a speaker drops a sound in a word or a phrase. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for linguistic

Word History

Etymology

linguist + -ic entry 1, probably after German linguistisch

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linguistic was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linguistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linguistic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

linguistic

adjective
lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwis-tik How to pronounce linguistic (audio)
: of or relating to language or linguistics
linguistically adverb

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