metalanguage

[ met-uh-lang-gwij ]

/ ˈmɛt əˌlæŋ gwɪdʒ /

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noun

any language or symbolic system used to discuss, describe, or analyze another language or symbolic system.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of metalanguage

First recorded in 1935–40; meta- + language

Words nearby metalanguage

metagalaxy, metage, metagenesis, metagnathous, metal, metalanguage, metalcrafting, metal detector, metalepsis, metal-free phthalocyanine, metalhead

British Dictionary definitions for metalanguage

metalanguage

/ (ˈmɛtəˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ) /

noun

a language or system of symbols used to discuss another language or systemSee also formal language, natural language Compare object language

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012