native language
noun
a language that a person acquires fully through extensive exposure in childhood.
native languages
-
pluralof native language.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
He believed that Indians exposed to Western education could gradually improve native languages by infusing them with modern concepts, including scientific terminology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025
He hopes that within the next two or three years rural users will have voice-enabled access to government services, financial tools and information systems in their native languages.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2025
However, that did not hold true for the participants' native languages, which activated the language network much less than non-native languages in which they had similar proficiency.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 11, 2024
Not only are health care services less available than in many neighborhoods, but residents of diverse neighborhoods often face obstacles in available native languages and affordability.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2023
Both Grace and Eldin felt more comfortable praying the way they’d been taught—in their native languages.
From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John
