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Definition of linguist

linguist

/ˈlɪŋ.ɡwɪst/
lin · guist
Adverb:linguistically
•
Plural:linguists
•
Adjective:linguistic
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linguist Lexical Profile

linguist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A scholar or specialist in linguistics who studies the structure, development, and nature of human language.

Example

"The field linguist spent two years documenting the grammar and phonetics of an endangered indigenous language."

2

A person who is skilled in foreign languages or speaks several languages fluently.

Example

"An accomplished linguist, she was able to converse effortlessly with delegates from five different countries."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In academic and professional settings, 'linguist' refers strictly to a specialist who studies the structure, history, and psychology of language, whereas in everyday conversation it often refers to a polyglot (someone who speaks multiple languages fluently).

• Rhymes for linguist

• Nearby Words

lingual
linguica
linguine
linguist
linguistic
linguistically
linguistics

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from Latin lingua ('tongue' or 'language') combined with the agent suffix -ist.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Linguist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/linguist
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