SGML

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)jē-(ˌ)em-ˈel How to pronounce SGML (audio)
: a markup language used to define the structure of and manage documents in electronic form compare html

Word History

Etymology

standard generalized markup language

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SGML was in 1983

Browse Nearby Words

sgl
SGML
SGO
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“SGML.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SGML. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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