loanword: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Linguistic
Quick answer
What does “loanword” mean?
A word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation.
In linguistics, a word borrowed directly from another language, often retaining some degree of its original pronunciation, spelling, or meaning. The concept also applies to the process of lexical borrowing itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'Loanword' is standard in both, but 'loan-word' (with hyphen) is a less common historical variant occasionally seen.
Connotations
Identical; no specific regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in general use in both dialects, but standard within academic linguistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “loanword” in a Sentence
[Language X] has many loanwords from [Language Y][Word] is a loanword from [Language]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loanword” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb. Use 'borrow').
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb. Use 'borrow').
adjective
British English
- The term 'café' is a loanword entry in the dictionary.
- She studied loanword adaptation patterns.
American English
- 'Kindergarten' is a famous German loanword example.
- Linguists analyze loanword integration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Standard term in linguistics and philology for describing the origin of vocabulary.
Everyday
Uncommon; a layperson might simply say 'borrowed word' or 'word from X language'.
Technical
Precise term in linguistic analysis, historical linguistics, and lexicography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loanword”
- Pronouncing it as two separate words with equal stress (*loan word*). The primary stress is on the first syllable.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The language loanworded many terms'). Incorrect. The verb is 'to borrow'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a compound formed from the native English words 'loan' (itself of Old Norse origin) and 'word' (Old English). It describes the concept but is not an example of it.
A loanword borrows the word itself (e.g., 'kindergarten' from German). A calque (or loan translation) borrows the meaning or structure but uses native elements (e.g., 'skyscraper' is a calque, but the concept has been loan-translated into many languages).
Yes. Over time, loanwords can become so common that speakers are unaware of their origin. Words like 'tomato' (from Nahuatl via Spanish), 'price' (from French), or 'they' (from Old Norse) are now considered core English vocabulary.
No. Lexical borrowing is a natural, universal process that enriches languages and reflects cultural contact. All languages have loanwords. Purity is a prescriptive, non-linguistic notion.
A word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation.
Loanword is usually academic / linguistic in register.
Loanword: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊnwɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊnwɜːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A WORD is taken out on LOAN from another language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE AS A BORROWER/LENDER (Words are cultural artefacts that can be lent and borrowed).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'loanword'?