lect

[ lekt ]

nounLinguistics.
  1. a distinct variety of a language, as a standard variety or a nonstandard regional dialect: Without a central academy to govern usage, Standard English accepts more variation in grammar and lexicon than the standard lects of other languages.

Origin of lect

1
First recorded in 1970–75; (dia)lect

Other definitions for lect. (2 of 2)

lect.

abbreviation
  1. lecture.

  2. lecturer.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use lect in a sentence

  • Im clar Massr James is one o de lect; and Im clar dars considable more o de lect dan people tink.

    The Minister's Wooing | Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • I was laughing, you rec'lect, when I come back to tell you 'twas all right; I expect you knew pretty well how twas.

    Pippin; A Wandering Flame | Laura E. Richards
  • You might as well try to squeeze ile out o' Bunker-Hill monument, as to c'lect a debt o' him.

  • I c'n t ba'ly rec'lect t' say 'Thank-ye,' but there my power gives out.

    Wanted: A Husband | Samuel Hopkins Adams
  • But I find it hard to rec'lect that about you, Mr. Peter; you're so sympathetic, you might be a young lady.

    The Lee Shore | Rose Macaulay