linguistic

adjective

lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwi-stik 

variants or less commonly linguistical

liŋ-ˈgwi-sti-kəl 

: of or relating to language or linguistics

linguistic scholars

linguistic changes

linguistically

liŋ-ˈgwi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• lexical
• rhetorical
• rhetoric
• verbal
• vocabular
• wordy

Examples of linguistic in a Sentence

the age at which children begin to acquire linguistic skills

Recent Examples on the Web

Such exclusions echo broader systemic inequities, perpetuating a cycle in which linguistic dominance constrains not only individual researchers but the development of global knowledge itself. —Hec Paris Insights, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Friends, we are gathered here today to discuss a strange linguistic invention: uncomfortability. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024

Arcane’s success in incorporating multiple languages reflects the growing willingness of listeners to embrace music beyond their linguistic comfort zones, showing how modern artists can connect with more global audiences. —Cecilia Ciocchetti, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2024

The Hearing Test by Eliza Barry Callahan When did our first linguistic ancestor emerge, and how did the transition from a nonlinguistic to a linguistic state take place? —The New York Review of Books, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

linguist + -ic entry 1, probably after German linguistisch

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing linguistic

• linguistic atlas
• linguistic form
• linguistic geography

Kids Definition

linguistic

adjective

lin·​guis·​tic liŋ-ˈgwis-tik 

: of or relating to language or linguistics

linguistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb