linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwist How to pronounce linguist (audio)
1
: a person accomplished in languages
especially : one who speaks several languages
2
: a person who specializes in linguistics

Examples of linguist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It was developed by 100 linguists and backed by academic research. New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024 Seeking linguists and translators in Navajo, Twi, Amuzgo, Batak and Dari languages remains a challenge for many language services providers and usually requires contacting educational institutions in South America and India where these languages are included in the linguistic curriculum. Irene Agnew, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Named after an important 15th Century poet, author, linguist and statesman, the Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre will be defined by large swooping arches and expansive glazing. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2024 Back in the 1960s, Charles F. Hockett, an American linguist, published a list of the design features of language, basically a set of 13 boxes a communication system has to check to be considered a language. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for linguist 

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from New Latin linguista, from Latin lingua "tongue, speech, language" + -ista -ist entry 1 — more at tongue entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linguist was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near linguist

Cite this Entry

“Linguist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linguist. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

linguist

noun
lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwəst How to pronounce linguist (audio)
1
: a person skilled in languages
2
: a person who specializes in linguistics
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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