vernacular

American  

[ver-nak-yuh-ler, vuh-nak-] / vərˈnæk yə lər, vəˈnæk- /

adjective

1. (of language) native to a place (opposed to literary).

2. expressed or written in the native language of a place, as literary works.

   a vernacular poem.

3. using such a language.

   a vernacular speaker.

4. of or relating to such a language.

5. using plain, everyday, ordinary language.

6. of, relating to, or characteristic of architectural vernacular.

7. noting or pertaining to the common name for a plant or animal.

8. Obsolete. (of a disease) endemic.

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noun

1. the native speech or language of a place.

2. the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession.

3. a vernacular word or expression.

4. the plain variety of language in everyday use by ordinary people.

5. the common name of an animal or plant as distinguished from its Latin scientific name.

6. a style of architecture exemplifying the commonest techniques, decorative features, and materials of a particular historical period, region, or group of people.

7. any medium or mode of expression that reflects popular taste or local styles.

vernacular British  

/ vəˈnækjʊlə /

noun

1. the commonly spoken language or dialect of a particular people or place

2. a local style of architecture, in which ordinary houses are built

   this architect has re-created a true English vernacular

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adjective

1. relating to, using, or in the vernacular

2. designating or relating to the common name of an animal or plant

3. built in the local style of ordinary houses, rather than a grand architectural style

Related Words

See language.

Other Word Forms

• nonvernacular adjective
• vernacularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of vernacular

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin vernācul(us), “household, domestic, native” (apparently adjective use of vernāculus, diminutive of verna “slave born in the master's household”; further origin uncertain) + -ar ¹

Explanation

Vernacular describes everyday language, including slang, that's used by the people. The vernacular is different from literary or official language: it's the way people really talk with each other, like how families talk at home. You know how some language is fancy and formal? Vernacular is different: think of it as how friends talk when no one is listening. Vernacular language includes slang and obscenities. One of the hardest things about writing for school is getting away from the vernacular and learning to write in more formal ways that don't come as naturally. You can also say specific groups have a vernacular, meaning the unique way people in a certain region or profession speak.

Example Sentences

The excitement comes with its own vernacular, as “powder hounds” hit the slopes, looking for “fresh tracks” and “chasing pow.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

She owned a copy of Tyndale’s New Testament and backed appointees to the court who supported the idea of a vernacular Bible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

She couldn’t have known she’d alter my vernacular forever, but when Cher posted, “Whats going on with mycareer” — typos and all — nothing would ever be the same.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

In his own vernacular, he "mogs" everyone he meets - he is so at the top of his game that he outshines everyone in his presence.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

“Hidy, Miss Eggers,” he said, tipping an imaginary hat and sliding into the southern West Virginia vernacular.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• argot
• dialect
• idiom
• jargon
• lingo
• parlance
• patois
• slang