first language
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mauricio Pochettino was an Argentine who spoke soccer as a first language, but he had great hair, dressed like a Malibu landscape architect and matched his team’s breezy American vibe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
It especially fails the person whose first language is Spanish and who has never heard the term “Locally Preferred Alternative” in any language.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2026
Some were less comfortable with the possibility of false positives, since there are often autistic people, or users whose first language isn’t English, whose writing styles are stigmatized as A.I.-like.
From Slate ● Apr. 1, 2026
The viewer snaps back to reality and remembers that, like Foster, Lilian is American, and her first language is English.
From Salon ● Jan. 18, 2026
My mom made sure English was the first language I spoke.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
