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
Rumor spread among Metro’s diverse staff, giving workers pause whenever they slipped into their native languages.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 24, 2023
Familiar languages elicited a stronger reaction than unfamiliar ones, they found, with one important exception: native languages, which provoked relatively little brain activity.
From Science Magazine ● Feb. 3, 2023
Interpreters were enlisted to reach out to workers in their own native languages and to translate speeches for them at rallies.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
