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.
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
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
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
My mom made sure English was the first language I spoke.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
