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Dictionary.com
Definitions

first language

NOUN
mother tongue
Synonyms
WEAK
natal tongue native speech native tongue parent language vernacular

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.

It’s a really fast-moving show, and if English is not your first language, like for my parents, then it’s quite hard to follow along.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

Oliver grew up in a deaf family where BSL was his first language so he "didn't feel the need" to get a hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Martin Van Buren, the first president to be born a U.S. citizen, spoke Dutch as his first language, as did Sojourner Truth.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Here he was in fifth grade, near the end of his very first language arts class with Mrs. Granger, and Nick could feel a homework assignment coming the way a farmer can feel a rainstorm.

From "Frindle" by Andrew Clements