sociolinguistics

noun

so·​cio·​lin·​guis·​tics ˌsō-sē-ō-liŋ-ˈgwi-stiks How to pronounce sociolinguistics (audio)
ˌsō-shē-
plural in form but singular in construction
: the study of linguistic behavior as determined by sociocultural factors
sociolinguist noun

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sociolinguistics was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near sociolinguistics

Cite this Entry

“Sociolinguistics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociolinguistics. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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