First Known Use: 1577
Dictionary
dialect
noun, di·a·lect often attributive \ˈdī-ə-ˌlekt\
: a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations
Full Definition of DIALECT
1
a : a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language <the Doric dialect of ancient Greek> b : one of two or more cognate languages <French and Italian are Romance dialects> c : a variety of a language used by the members of a group <such dialects as politics and advertising — Philip Howard> d : a variety of language whose identity is fixed by a factor other than geography (as social class) <spoke a rough peasant dialect> e : register 4c f : a version of a computer programming language
2
: manner or means of expressing oneself : phraseology
— di·a·lec·tal \ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-təl\ adjective
— di·a·lec·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
See dialect defined for English-language learners
See dialect defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DIALECT
Middle French dialecte, from Latin dialectus, from Greek dialektos conversation, dialect, from dialegesthai to converse — more at dialogue
Related to DIALECT
Other Language Terms
Rhymes with DIALECT
acrolect, architect, birth defect, circumspect, deselect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, indirect, in effect, intellect, interject, intersect, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, retrospect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect
DIALECT Defined for Kids
dialect
noun di·a·lect \ˈdī-ə-ˌlekt\
Definition of DIALECT for Kids
: a form of a language that is spoken in a certain region or by a certain group
Learn More About DIALECT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dialectalismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dialdehydeAll Words Near: dialect
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dialect? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).