ENGLISH
REFERENCE

language

n.
US //ˈɫæŋɡwədʒ// UK //lˈæŋɡwɪdʒ// lan·guage
  1. 1 human communication system (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a system of words and grammar used by a group of people or a country.

    a structured system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of a lexicon and grammatical rules.

    Example

    Learning a new language is a great way to understand a different culture.

    Example

    The researchers studied how the language evolved over centuries as different tribes migrated across the continent.
    Pitfall
    She speaks the English language very good.
    She speaks the English language very well.

    Use the adverb 'well' to describe how someone speaks, not the adjective 'good'.

  2. 2 specialized jargon (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the specific words used by people in a particular job or group.

    the specialized vocabulary or style of expression used by a particular profession or social group.

    Example

    I found it hard to understand the legal language in the housing contract.

    Example

    The report was written in highly technical language that required a specialist to interpret for the board of directors.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 computing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a set of instructions or codes used to tell a computer what to do.

    a formal system of signs and rules used for writing computer programs.

    Example

    Python is a popular language for people who are just starting to learn coding.

    Example

    The software was rewritten in a more modern language to improve its processing speed and security features.
  2. 4 profanity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    rude or offensive words.

    vulgar or offensive vocabulary; often used as a euphemism for swearing.

    Example

    Please watch your language while there are children in the room.

    Example

    The comedian was known for using colorful language that occasionally offended the more conservative members of the audience.
  3. 5 animal communication (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the sounds or signs that animals use to talk to each other.

    a system of signs, sounds, or gestures used by non-human species to convey information.

    Example

    Scientists are still trying to decode the complex language of dolphins.

    Example

    Bees use a sophisticated body language known as the waggle dance to inform the hive about the location of nectar.
Etymology 1

From Middle English langage, language, from Old French language, from Vulgar Latin linguāticum, from Latin lingua (“tongue, speech, language”), from Old Latin dingua (“tongue”), from Proto-Indo-European dn̥ǵʰwéh₂s (“tongue, speech, language”). Doublet of langaj. Displaced native Old English ġeþēode.

Etymology 2

Alteration of languet.

Idioms4 entries

© 2026 English Reference