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DictionarydialectLanguage variety
noun

dialect

DYE-uh-lekt/ˈdaɪəlekt/

A variety of a language used by a particular region or group.

The speakers' regional dialects differ in their words for the same soft drink.

Two ordinary American adults point to the same red soda can between them, each using a small speech balloon: left says only 'soda', right says only 'pop'.
Etymology
diaGreekbetween
+lectGreekto speak

The pieces express speaking between people, hence conversation. The Greek noun also meant a country’s language, connecting conversation with the characteristic speech of a region or social group.

In context

Trinity Centre for Literary & Cultural Translation2:27
he uses and mixes different registers standard german colloquial german and also viennese dialect
Human and machine translation of nonce words in literary texts: Johann Nestroy's "Talisman"

More examples

  • The two dialects differ in pronunciation and grammar.
  • She writes dialogue in her hometown's dialect.
  • Members of the community share a dialect across generations.

Forms

dialect · dialects

dialectal adjective — Relating to a regional or social dialect.

Similar words

variety
A broader term that can include dialects and registers.
vernacular
Emphasizes everyday local speech rather than formal or literary language.