tone language

noun

: a language (such as Chinese or Zulu) in which variations in tone distinguish words or phrases of different meaning that otherwise would sound alike

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tone language was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near tone language

tone in with (something)

tone language

toneless

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tone language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone%20language. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

tone language

noun
: a language (as Chinese) in which changes in tone of words that otherwise sound alike indicate different meanings

More from Merriam-Webster on tone language

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tone language

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