language language /ˈlæŋgwɪdʒ/

noun

1. () A systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols  ( linguistic communication , language )
   a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
    He taught foreign languages
   he taught foreign languages
    The language introduced is standard throughout the text
   the language introduced is standard throughout the text
    The speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written
   the speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written
   
   
2. () (language) communication by word of mouth  ( oral communication , speech communication , spoken communication , language , speech , spoken language , voice communication )
   (language) communication by word of mouth
    His speech was garbled
   his speech was garbled
    He uttered harsh language
   he uttered harsh language
    He recorded the spoken language of the streets
   he recorded the spoken language of the streets
   
3. () The text of a popular song or musical-comedy number  ( language , words , lyric )
   the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number
    His compositions always started with the lyrics
   his compositions always started with the lyrics
    He wrote both words and music
   he wrote both words and music
    The song uses colloquial language
   the song uses colloquial language
   
4. () The mental faculty or power of vocal communication  ( speech , language )
   the mental faculty or power of vocal communication
    Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
   language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
   
5. () The cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication  ( linguistic process , language )
   the cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication
    He didn't have the language to express his feelings
   he didn't have the language to express his feelings
   
6. A system of words used to name things in a particular discipline  ( language , nomenclature , terminology )
   a system of words used to name things in a particular discipline
    Legal terminology
   legal terminology
    Biological nomenclature
   biological nomenclature
    The language of sociology
   the language of sociology