plural languages
1
a
: the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other
spoken and written language
the origin of language
—often used before another nounlanguage acquisition
language skills
b
: any one of the systems of human language that are used and understood by a particular group of people
the English language
How many languages do you speak?
a foreign language
French is her first/native language.
The book has been translated into several languages.
He's learning English as a second language.
After a few days in France, I realized that I didn't know the language [=I didn't know the French language] as well as I had thought.
a new word that has recently entered the language
a language instructor/teacher
foreign language classes
A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages]
2
: words of a particular kind
the formal language of the report
the beauty of Shakespeare's language
She expressed her ideas using simple and clear language.
He is always careful in his use of language.
bad/foul/obscene/strong/vulgar language
You'd better watch your language [=be careful about the words you use] when you're talking to her.
3
: the words and expressions used in a particular activity or by a particular group of people
the language of diplomacy/lawyers
legal/military language
4
: a system of signs and symbols that is used to control a computer
a programming language
5
: a system of sounds or movements by which animals communicate with each other
the language of bees/dolphins
Cite this Entry
“Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/language. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.
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