modern language

noun

1. one of the literary languages currently in use in Europe, as French, Spanish, or German, treated as a departmental course of study in a school, college, or university.

modern language

noun

1. any of the languages spoken in present-day Europe, with the exception of English

Word History and Origins

Origin of modern language¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Even the universities had to give some recognition to the modern language.

From Project Gutenberg

There are commentaries by the hundred on it in nearly every modern language.

From Project Gutenberg

He has learned that in proportion as a machine or anything else is expressive—in the modern language, it hides.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus in his view the chief reason for learning a modern language is that business communications will thereby be facilitated.

From Project Gutenberg

His modern language studies involved much translation, but his first book, "Hyperion," was not published until 1839.

From Project Gutenberg