native language

American  

[nay-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

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Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

native language

U.S.-based companies use it to serve Arabic-speaking customers in their native language and dialect.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

“You’ve got the native language as a scaffold for these young kids who are just beginning to acquire complex concepts, who are just beginning to understand the world around them,” Pompa said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

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

Pacific island Nauru said it will hold a referendum to change its official name, described as a colonial relic from a time when "foreign tongues" mangled the native language.

From Barron's ● May 13, 2026

Hsu had come to America from China, and English wasn’t her native language.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

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