1 a [noncount] : the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other
▪ spoken and written language ▪ the origin of language — often used before another noun ▪ language acquisition ▪ language skills — see also body language
b [count] : any one of the systems of human language that are used and understood by a particular group of people
▪ the English language ▪ How many languages do you speak? ▪ a foreign language ▪ French is her first/native language. ▪ The book has been translated into several languages. ▪ He's learning English as a second language. ▪ After a few days in France, I realized that I didn't know the language [=I didn't know the French language] as well as I had thought. ▪ a new word that has recently entered the language ▪ a language instructor/teacher ▪ foreign language classes ▪ A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages] — see also sign language 2 [noncount] : words of a particular kind
▪ the formal language of the report ▪ the beauty of Shakespeare's language ▪ She expressed her ideas using simple and clear language. ▪ He is always careful in his use of language. ▪ bad/foul/obscene/strong/vulgar language ▪ You'd better watch your language [=be careful about the words you use] when you're talking to her. 3 [noncount] : the words and expressions used in a particular activity or by a particular group of people
▪ the language of diplomacy/lawyers ▪ legal/military language 4 [count] : a system of signs and symbols that is used to control a computer
▪ a programming language 5 [count] : a system of sounds or movements by which animals communicate with each other
▪ the language of bees/dolphins