linguistic

adjective

lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwi-stik 

variants or less commonly linguistical

liŋ-ˈgwi-sti-kəl 

: of or relating to language or linguistics

linguistic scholars

linguistic changes

linguistically

liŋ-ˈgwi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of linguistic

• verbal
• communicative
• lexical
• rhetorical

Examples of linguistic in a Sentence

the age at which children begin to acquire linguistic skills

Recent Examples on the Web

The Roman Empire is closely associated with the Latin language, but the actual linguistic situation in the empire was complex. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026

There is no clean separation of their linguistic and reasoning abilities. — George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

The state ranked first in cultural diversity and linguistic diversity, while also ranking second in racial and ethnic diversity and educational-attainment diversity. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Here, a kuchipudi solo by Sreelakshmy Kallungal Govardhanan, who moves with an almost feral power, displays dramatic abilities—central to kuchipudi—that transcend linguistic barriers. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

linguist + -ic entry 1, probably after German linguistisch

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing linguistic

• linguistic atlas
• linguistic form
• linguistic geography

Rhymes for linguistic

• artistic
• autistic
• ballistic
• cladistic
• heuristic
• holistic
• logistic
• monistic
• patristic
• sadistic
• simplistic
• sophistic

Kids Definition

linguistic

adjective

lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwis-tik 

: of or relating to language or linguistics

linguistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb