linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwist How to pronounce linguist (audio)
1
: a person accomplished in languages
especially : one who speaks several languages
2
: a person who specializes in linguistics

Examples of linguist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recently, five computational linguists put Chomsky’s claim to the test. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 As linguists and geneticists continue to untangle the origins of Indo-European languages, one thing is clear—the story of language is one of movement, change and cultural exchange, far from the rigid, nationalist narratives of the past. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025 Babbel lessons were designed by a team of over 100 expert linguists. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025 Some linguists have argued that revitalizing a language depends on creating committed communities of speakers — and there is ample evidence in Taiwan of a growing number of people who are passionate enough about Tâi-gí to shape these kinds of committed communities. Will Buckingham, The Dial, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for linguist

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from New Latin linguista, from Latin lingua "tongue, speech, language" + -ista -ist entry 1 — more at tongue entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linguist was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Linguist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linguist. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

linguist

noun
lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwəst How to pronounce linguist (audio)
1
: a person skilled in languages
2
: a person who specializes in linguistics

More from Merriam-Webster on linguist

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