Definition

Proper noun 1. An Austronesian language: Cebuano is a language spoken primarily in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, notably on the island of Cebu. It is a major language of the Philippines.

Usage Notes

• Cebuano is the name of a specific language. It is always capitalized.
• It is also historically and informally known as or , although these terms can sometimes refer more broadly to the Visayan language group.
• As a proper noun, it is not typically used with articles (e.g., "the Cebuano") unless specifying a particular aspect (e.g., "the Cebuano spoken in northern Mindanao").

Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• As a modifier:

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic contexts, Cebuano is classified under the Central Philippine branch of the Malayo-Polynesian languages.
• The term can be used attributively to describe cultural products, e.g., , .

Variants and Related Words

• Bisaya / Binisaya: Common alternate names for the Cebuano language, though their scope can be ambiguous.
• Sebuano: An older, less common spelling variant.

Synonyms

• Visayan: This is a broader, less precise synonym, as it refers to the larger group of languages including Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray-Waray. It is often used interchangeably by non-specialists.

Related Phrases

• Cebuano speaker: A person whose native or fluent language is Cebuano.
• In Cebuano: A phrase used to indicate the language of communication or translation.
  • The instructions are written in Cebuano.

Noun

1. language of the people of Cebu in the Philippines; its lexicon contributes to the official language of the Philippines