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.

---

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

Previously students could study most of the curriculum in their native language such as Tibetan, Uyghur or Mongolian.

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

Because we use our native language daily over decades, these patterns become deeply embedded, making communication smoother and less demanding.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 20, 2026

But I do wonder, as he does, what harm it is for our neighbors to worship God in their native language.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson