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

Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

native language

“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

Russian is the native language of President Volodymyr Zelensky, which he used often in his election campaign but has since used only Ukrainian in public.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 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

Schulwerk uses the native language, sounds, timbres, rhythms, melodies, and tonal material surrounding the child, particularly in its folk music repertoire.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin