paralanguage

noun

para·​lan·​guage ˈper-ə-ˌlaŋ-gwij How to pronounce paralanguage (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
: optional vocal effects (such as tone of voice) that accompany or modify the phonemes of an utterance and that may communicate meaning

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paralanguage was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Paralanguage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralanguage. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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