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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• native languages
  plural

Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

native language

Previously students could study most of the curriculum in their native language including Tibetan, Uyghur or Mongolian.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

Pacific island Nauru said it will hold a referendum to change its official name, described as a colonial relic from a time when "foreign tongues" mangled the native language.

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

I went and performed a song from my tribe in my native language.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana