Search Dictionary
Definition of lingo

lingo

/ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ/
lin · go
Plural:lingoes
JUMP TO:

lingo Lexical Profile

lingo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The specialized vocabulary, jargon, or slang used by a particular profession, age group, or subculture.

Example

"It took the new intern a few weeks to learn the corporate lingo used in the daily team meetings."

2

A foreign language or local dialect, especially one that the speaker finds unfamiliar or difficult to understand.

Example

"During his semester abroad, he worked hard to pick up the local lingo so he could converse with shopkeepers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lingo

• Rhymes for lingo

• Nearby Words

lingerie
lingering
lingeringly
lingo
lingonberry
lingua
lingual

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-17th century, probably derived from Provençal 'lengo' or Portuguese 'lingoa', both ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'lingua', meaning 'tongue' or 'language'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lingo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lingo
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.