bow-wow theory

noun

A speculative theory that human language originated from the imitation of animal vocalisations.

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Meanings

nounbow-wow theory (plural bow-wow theories)

plural bow-wow theories

  1. A speculative theory that human language originated from the imitation of animal vocalisations.
Cite this entry
APA

bow-wow theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bow-wow%20theory

MLA

“bow-wow theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bow-wow%20theory. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “bow-wow theory,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bow-wow%20theory.

Source: bow-wow theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.