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

The word has violent roots — but over time, linguists and etymologists say, its meaning has sometimes been watered down to simply be a playful type of humor. —Ayana Archie, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026

Babbel’s lessons are built by linguists, with a focus on real conversations, cultural context, and practical dialogue. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026

Yet, linguists say, its impetus harks back to a dark time in American history. —Moriah Humiston, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026

But in little more than an hour, their questions and comments will lead the 25-year-old Winner, an Air Force veteran and linguist working for a National Security Agency contractor, to confess to mailing a classified intelligence document to a news organization. —Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026

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