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.

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

Parents can answer questions about their child — such as in the National Survey of Children’s Health — but can be biased or misinterpret questions, especially if English isn’t their first language.

From Los Angeles Times

The MCC said the "removal of gendered language" will be "concluded" in the latest edition of the Laws along with "simplification" where possible given many readers will not speak English as a first language.

From BBC

It was her first language, and Natalie sometimes found herself falling back on it when she was frightened or confused.

From Literature

The viewer snaps back to reality and remembers that, like Foster, Lilian is American, and her first language is English.

From Salon