natural language

noun

plural natural languages
1
: a language (such as English, Spanish, or Samoan) that is the native speech of a people
In its pure meaning, a natural language is a spoken language, such as English or German.Robert A. Edmunds
In a natural language like English or French, asserting some proposition puts you at risk of being right or wrong.Jared Woodard
2
: the language of ordinary speaking and writing
often used before another noun
This framework will enable developers to integrate A.I. models into their apps, facilitating capabilities such as image generation, text creation and natural language search.Victor Dey
… uses artificial intelligence to understand and respond to natural language queries.Isaiah Murtaugh

Examples of natural language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Argus also provides automated assessments intended to measure mission outcomes and includes Argus Chat, which allows analysts to query data using natural language. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 There's also an improved Bixby that can answer questions about the device and complete tasks like turning on a mobile hotspot when asked in natural language. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The pilot program aimed to test AI tools which used natural language processing to record, transcribe, and summarize physician-patient encounters, reducing time spent on documentation and allowing physicians to focus more on patient care. Harvard Business Review, 18 Aug. 2026 Coinbase launched a new tool that will allow agents like ChatGPT or Claude to execute crypto trades using natural language instructions. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for natural language

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural language was in 1570

Cite this Entry

“Natural language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20language. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster