protolanguage
noun
pro·to·lan·guage
ˈprō-tō-ˌlaŋ-gwij 
: an assumed or recorded ancestral language
Examples of protolanguage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Others claim protolanguage was dominated by pantomimed gestures — a society built on charades.
—
Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2018
An alternate view envisions protolanguage characterized by gesture and pantomime.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2018
Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2018
An alternate view envisions protolanguage characterized by gesture and pantomime.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protolanguage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1948, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near protolanguage
Cite this Entry
“Protolanguage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protolanguage. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on protolanguage
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protolanguage
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