linguistics
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of linguistics
First recorded in 1850–55; see origin at linguistic, -ics
Explanation
Linguistics is the formal study of language. If you like figuring out how words are formed and how they express meaning, you might enjoy studying the science of linguistics. Academics use the term linguistics to describe the science of language. Linguistics includes a broad range of topics ranging from how people learn languages to how phrases and sentences are formed. Remember that linguistics is a plural noun: although it takes a singular verb, it always has an “s” at the end. If you drop the “s” you get a different word, the adjective linguistic, which means "related to language."
Vocabulary lists containing linguistics
Write Makes Might: Words About Written Language
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!
Booked
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!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 23
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.
Spanish and maths were the other subjects Burnham was studying at St Aelred's, and he told people he was considering taking a linguistics degree at university.
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026
A major book fair is making a shortlist of outstanding book categories, choosing from seven options: literature, linguistics, art, history, philosophy, law, and economics.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026
The resulting paper includes 58 authors from multiple fields, including anthropology, biology, and linguistics.
From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026
Given Shih’s academic background — she holds a PhD from Stanford University in linguistics — it makes sense that she brings deep research to her practice.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026
Before we turn to the evidence from archaeology, let us consider the evidence of Japanese origins from biology, linguistics, early portraits, and recorded history.
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.
