multilingual

adjective

mul·​ti·​lin·​gual ˌməl-tē-ˈliŋ-gwəl 

-ˈliŋ-gyə-wəl,

-ˌtī-

1

: of, having, or expressed in several languages

a multilingual sign

multilingual dictionaries

2

: using or able to use several languages especially with equal fluency

multilingual translators

multilingualism

ˌməl-tē-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm 

-gyə-wə-

-ˌtī-

noun

multilingually

ˌməl-tē-ˈliŋ-gwə-lē 

-gyə-wə-lē

-ˌtī-

adverb

Did you know?

The roots of multilingual come from Latin. If you happen to prefer Greek, use the synonym polyglot, in which poly- has the same meaning as multi-, and -glot means the same thing as -lingual. The best way to become multilingual is probably to be born in a bilingual (two-language) household; learning those first two seems to give the mind the kind of exercise that makes later language-learning easy.

Examples of multilingual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Accessibility features in kiosks and apps, multilingual support and dedicated assistance services ensure smoother navigation for travelers with disabilities or language barriers. —Brian Tossan, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

The reshuffle is the latest in a broader reorganization under Chancellor David Banks, who this spring dissolved the 2,000-person teaching and learning division that oversaw both the multilingual and special education offices and set curriculum policy. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 June 2024

For the 2022-23 school year in CMS, 39% of students with disabilities, 49% of multilingual students, 52% of Hispanic students and 63% of Black students met K-2 literacy benchmarks. —Rebecca Noel and, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2024

With all these benefits, why aren’t all multilingual students — and all students — provided access to bilingual education? —Allison Briceño, The Mercury News, 20 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1