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

A couple of votes stand out for me, for linguistic and cultural reasons. —Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025

But if his gestures were free-floating, his linguistic prowess remained dense and dexterous. —Sarah Moroz, Pitchfork, 12 Nov. 2025

The founders and their partners say voice technology doesn’t just connect past generations to the present but living people from different linguistic parts of the globe whose voices would otherwise never be heard. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

Given the linguistic polyphony, even Spanish speakers will need to consult translations to understand her litanies. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025

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