Phrase guide

Chomsky hierarchy

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈt͡ʃɒm.ski ˈhaɪ.(ə).ɹɑː(ɹ).ki/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A containment hierarchy of classes of formal grammars. From least to most specialized, the classes are: recursively enumerable, context-sensitive, context-free, and regular.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computer, computing, engineering, human-sciences, linguistics, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, science, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Described by linguist Noam Chomsky in 1956.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Portuguese: hierarquia de Chomsky — a containment hierarchy of classes of formal grammars