metalinguistics

noun

meta·​lin·​guis·​tics ˈme-tə-liŋ-ˌgwi-stiks How to pronounce metalinguistics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of linguistics that deals with the relation between language and other cultural factors in a society

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metalinguistics was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near metalinguistics

Cite this Entry

“Metalinguistics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metalinguistics. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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