# Latin

/ˈɫætən/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/latin
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the language used in ancient Rome. While people do not speak it as a first language today, it is still used in science, law, and the church.

For teachers: the classical language of ancient Rome and its empire, belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European family. It served as the lingua franca of European scholarship and administration for centuries.

## Examples

- Many English words come from Latin roots.
- The biology student had to memorize the Latin names for several different species of birds.
- Although considered a dead language because it lacks native speakers, Latin remains the foundational vocabulary for legal and medical terminology across the Western world.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the language, it is uncountable and always capitalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.