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modern language

American  

noun

  1. one of the literary languages currently in use in Europe, as French, Spanish, or German, treated as a departmental course of study in a school, college, or university.


modern language British  

noun

  1. any of the languages spoken in present-day Europe, with the exception of English

"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

Etymology

Origin of modern language

First recorded in 1830–40

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.

A similar episode occurred at the Modern Language Association.

From Salon

The university added all but four of its modern language courses had fewer than 10 students on them and they were currently "unsustainable".

From BBC

All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham.

From BBC

Music and modern language courses will continue to be offered at Cardiff University after it backtracked on plans to close the departments.

From BBC

In an update to staff, Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner said music would have revised entry targets and content and modern language programmes would have smaller cohorts.

From BBC