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

That includes providing grants to high-needs communities, including additional funding to schools with high concentrations of low-income students (Title I) and multilingual learners (Title III). —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025

Often, multilingual speakers rarely stick to just one language, especially when in mixed-language company. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 24 Jan. 2025

According to a news release, the 87.6% rate was 1.8 percentage points greater than the 2022-23 school year, with the largest increases coming from Hispanic students and multilingual learners. —Carson Swick, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025

In multicultural cities like Toronto and Montreal, AI systems offer a distinct advantage with their multilingual capabilities, enabling smoother communication with diverse clientele and enhancing the overall customer experience. —Karl Moore, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1