native language

American  

[ney-tiv lang-gwij] / ˈneɪ tɪv ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ /

Often first language

noun

• native languages
  plural

1. a language that a person acquires fully through extensive exposure in childhood.

   Many Diné children learn Navajo as a native language.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• native languages
  plural

Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

native language

In his native language, Vozinha translates to “granny,” and he explained to FIFA.com in 2024 how he became known by that name.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

“You hear RM say in the songwriting session, ‘This is not my native language.’

From Salon ● Mar. 27, 2026

"But I think that some basic knowledge, such as mathematics, should be taught in one's native language."

From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026

"There was a tremendous bias amongst collectors of rock and roll music from around the world against music in the native language of the country that it was created," he says.

From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025

I shall teach him my native language and tell him of the beauties of my homeland.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper