language

noun

ˈlaŋ-gwij How to pronounce language (audio)
Definition of languagenext
1
as in vocabulary
the stock of words, pronunciation, and grammar used by a people as their basic means of communication Great Britain, the United States, Australia, and other countries where English is the dominant language

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Relevance
2
as in terminology
the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field "love" means "nothing" in the language of tennis

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in diction
the way in which something is put into words we're finding the language of the legal documents to be tough going

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of language Instead of closing the door on his dream, Nolan pivoted to studying English literature at University College London, a decision he has since been credited with strengthening his screenwriting and deepening his understanding of language and metaphor. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 July 2026 The debut women’s capsule remains intentionally focused, introducing feminine shirts, skirts, trousers and hybrid pieces that build on the relaxed, artisanal language of the existing collection rather than creating a separate identity. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 20 July 2026 Instead, the board has characterized the revisions as an effort to modernize its regulations and ensure the language reflects its long-standing philosophy that people should not be defined solely by their incarceration. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 The section has since been updated, effective June 26, with new language that shifts focus away from Suno itself. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for language
Recent Examples of Synonyms for language
  1. vocabulary
  2. terminology
  3. diction
  4. tongue
  5. dialect
  6. wording
  7. idiom
  8. slang
Noun
  • Scheffler had not seen conditions like this — a combination of yellow and brown, which translates to firm and fiery in a links vocabulary.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Designed in collaboration with Ukrainian architect and designer Victoria Yakusha, the boutique translates the brand’s restrained jewelry vocabulary into a nearly monochromatic interior.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of vocabulary
Noun
  • Speaker attribution, sentence structure, terminology and contextual interpretation have already been determined.
    — Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Earning certification typically takes two years or more and requires about 95 percent accuracy on dictation testing, command of legal and medical terminology, and in many states a license.
    — K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of terminology
Noun
  • This was a lexicon both earthy and expansive, a diction vulgar and elevated, granular and capricious.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • This isn’t to suggest that Young needs to pick up where Hunt has left off, in terms of salty diction.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Definition of diction
Noun
  • Jeana Keough, one of the OG stars of The Real Housewives of Orange County, has been diagnosed with tongue cancer at the age of 70, her daughter confirmed.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 July 2026
  • The Rolling Stones The iconic red tongue-and-lips logo of the British rock band the Rolling Stones continues to rank among the most creative logos ever designed.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
Definition of tongue
Noun
  • Silvio Carta’s Giniu Gin takes its name from the Sardinian word for juniper, placing both the plant and the island dialect at the center of the product’s identity.
    — Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Rusyn, which enjoys protected minority-language status in Slovakia and Poland, is treated within Ukraine as a mere dialect.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of dialect
Noun
  • Enforcement is costly, complex, and prone to legal battles, with AI makers challenging vague wording and jurisdictional claims.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The wording of the agreement was a bit puzzling, since the Algerian national team held its base camp at the University of Kansas’ facilities in Lawrence — where the deepest connections were forged between the team and a local community.
    — PJ Green July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of wording
Noun
  • Holden Caulfield is made to tell his own story, in his own strange idiom.
    — Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Please put on your batteries — a Mexican Spanish idiom that means to cowboy up.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of idiom
Noun
  • Kerr, for example, questioned Valdez’s command of English given his use of Caló, a culturally specific dialect that blends Mexican Spanish slang with English.
    — Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • Their influence stretched beyond music into fashion, dance trends and slang, and as member Pimpin' noted, fans are still doing the group's signature dance more than two decades later, something a SeaWorld whale recently proved.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Definition of slang

Phrases Containing language

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Cite this Entry

“Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/language. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on language

Nglish: Translation of language for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about language

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