linguistics

[ling-gwis-tiks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and historical linguistics.

linguistics

/ lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the scientific study of language See also historical linguistics descriptive linguistics

Word History and Origins

Origin of linguistics¹

First recorded in 1850–55; linguistic, -ics

Example Sentences

Like many college kids, Allaire became interested in the work of Noam Chomsky, an American scholar known for his work in linguistics, political activism and social criticism.

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For decades, her husband—Alexander Nakhimovsky, a professor of linguistics and computer science who went by Sasha—managed that aspect of their life.

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A faculty committee insisted other departments, like English and linguistics, be included too out of solidarity.

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This year, it outperformed models from OpenAI and Google in several advanced tests, including one that asks Ph.D.-level questions about topics ranging from ancient linguistics to gravitational physics.

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Faith Webb, 20, says she sees "a lot of people in lectures in a work uniform" on her linguistics course at the University of Manchester.

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Related Words

• alphabet 
• syntax