1 tone language | Definition of tone language
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tone language

noun

Definition of tone language

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

First Known Use of tone language

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for tone language

tone language

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tone language

: a language (such as Chinese) in which changes in the tone of words indicate different meanings

See the full definition for tone language in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on tone language

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tone language

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tone language

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!