linguistic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to language
-
of or relating to linguistics
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of linguistic
Explanation
Use the adjective linguistic to describe anything related to language, like the linguistic difficulties you might have if you visit a place where you do not speak the same language as everyone else. The word linguistic combines the noun linguist, meaning "a master of language, one who uses his tongue freely," with the adjective suffix -ic. It describes something that’s related to language, such as a linguistic theory about why some people drop the g sound in saying words ending in -ing. Or, if you want to brag about how good your vocabulary is, then rave about your linguistic skills.
Vocabulary lists containing linguistic
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"A Night to Remember," Vocabulary from the history writing
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In holding up a mirror to the healthcare system, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill also wanted to explore the linguistic diversity of its practitioners, allowing his actors of color to reconnect with their mother tongues.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
The hedge-born man conceived in a hookup under the hawthorn bushes in 17th-century Britain was the direct linguistic ancestor of today’s naked short-sellers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
"In the face of huge linguistic diversity, it is intriguing to find that languages don't evolve at random," says Verkerk.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
The party also sought a constitutional provision that reflects the linguistic split between English and French-speaking regions.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
We can use several types of reasoning to try to reconstruct the linguistic map of East Asia as of several thousand years ago.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
