international law

noun

: a body of rules that control or affect the rights of nations in their relations with each other

Examples of international law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During this phase, the Israeli state and the Palestine Liberation Organization will agree to find and void all laws, policies, and practices that are discriminatory or in violation of international law. Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024 The declaration bolsters momentum for international law to recognise the perpetual statehood of sinking island states. Reuters, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 These attacks constitute serious violation of the obligations of Israel under UNSCR 1701 and under humanitarian international law. NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024 With very, very rare exceptions, they are protected from external invasion by the U.N., by international law, by the rights of sovereignty. Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for international law 

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international law was in 1789

Dictionary Entries Near international law

Cite this Entry

“International law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international%20law. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

international law

noun
: a body of laws, rules, or legal principles that are based on custom, treaties, or legislation and that control or affect the rights and duties of nations in relation to each other compare internal law

More from Merriam-Webster on international law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!