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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

Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

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.

See Examples For:

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

The tiny nation's native language is "Dorerin Naoero", which is spoken by the vast majority of its approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

From Barron's May 13, 2026

“You hear RM say in the songwriting session, ‘This is not my native language.’

From Salon Mar. 27, 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

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

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