computer language: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “computer language” mean?
A formal system of symbols and rules used to give instructions to a computer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal system of symbols and rules used to give instructions to a computer.
Any system of communication, notation, or syntax designed for the creation, control, or execution of computer programs, including programming languages, markup languages, query languages, and formal specification languages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program' within explanations, but 'computer language' itself is invariant).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in technical writing than in casual speech, where 'programming language' is often preferred for specificity. Frequency of use is similar in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “computer language” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + computer language (e.g., 'the syntax of a computer language')VERB + computer language (e.g., 'to implement a computer language')ADJECTIVE + computer language (e.g., 'a declarative computer language')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “computer language” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to computer-language the new protocol for better efficiency.
- We need to computer-language these specifications before development starts.
American English
- The engineer proposed to computer-language the interface module.
- They had to computer-language the entire backend system.
adverb
British English
- The system was designed computer-language efficiently.
- He thinks very computer-language precisely.
American English
- She coded computer-language correctly on her first try.
- The manual is written computer-language clearly.
adjective
British English
- The computer-language paradigm has shifted towards functional design.
- She attended a computer-language theory lecture.
American English
- He is taking a computer-language design course this semester.
- The computer-language syntax was incredibly complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in IT departments and tech job descriptions, e.g., 'Proficiency in a relevant computer language is required.'
Academic
Common in computer science papers and textbooks discussing language theory, design, or comparison.
Everyday
Used by hobbyists or in general discussions about technology, e.g., 'My son is learning a computer language.'
Technical
The precise term in software engineering, systems design, and computational linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “computer language”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “computer language”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “computer language”
- Using 'computer language' to refer only to English or other human languages used on computers (e.g., 'My software is in the Spanish computer language').
- Confusing 'computer language' with 'scripting language' (a subtype).
- Incorrect plural: 'computers language' instead of 'computer languages'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many contexts, yes. However, 'computer language' is a slightly broader term that can include markup languages (e.g., HTML) and query languages (e.g., SQL), whereas 'programming language' strictly refers to languages used to write executable programs.
This depends on definition. Machine code (binary instructions) was first. The first high-level computer language is often considered to be Fortran (Formula Translation), created in the 1950s.
Thousands have been created, though only a few dozen are in widespread use. New domain-specific languages (DSLs) are created regularly for specialised tasks.
For beginners, languages like Python or JavaScript are often recommended due to their readable syntax and vast learning resources. The best choice depends on your goals (e.g., web development, data science, systems programming).
A formal system of symbols and rules used to give instructions to a computer.
Computer language is usually technical / academic in register.
Computer language: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtə ˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːt̬ɚ ˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Speak the same language (computing context)”
- “Lost in translation (between computer languages)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a computer as a person from another country. To communicate with it, you must learn its specific 'computer language', just like you'd learn French or Japanese.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR BUILDING; COMPUTERS ARE MINDS THAT NEED INSTRUCTION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a primary example of a 'computer language'?