multicultural

1 of 2

adjective

mul·​ti·​cul·​tur·​al ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rəl 

-ˌtī-, 

-ˈkəl-chə- 

: of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures

a multicultural society

multicultural education

a multicultural menu

multiculturally

ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-lē, 

-ˌtī-, 

-ˈkəl-chə-

adverb

multiculturalism

2 of 2

noun

mul·​ti·​cul·​tur·​al·​ism ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˌtī-, 

-ˈkəl-chə-

: cultural pluralism or diversity (as within a society, an organization, or an educational institution) : a multicultural social state or a doctrine or policy that promotes or advocates such a state

With racial and ethnic diversity increasing across the nation as a result of increased immigration, educational leaders were keen to embrace multiculturalism.

—Diane Ravitch

Successful multiculturalism builds the bonds of community that lead to interracial, interethnic friendships.

—Diane Ravitch

Multiculturalism is a term that has come to serve as shorthand for a host of different and not necessarily related cultural and educational issues. Arguments relating to gender studies, ethnic and racial studies, affirmative action, freedom of speech on campus, compromise and corruption among educational administrators have all been aired under the title, multiculturalism.

—A. E. Barnes

multiculturalist

ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-list, 

-ˌtī-, 

-ˈkəl-chə-

adjective

multiculturalist ideas/theories/policies

multiculturalist noun

plural multiculturalists

… in which traditionalists in favor of centering the curriculum on classic works of literature faced off against multiculturalists who wanted to include more works by women and members of minorities.

—Rachel Donadio

Examples of multicultural in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Tough, disciplined, multicultural, and carrying a bit of flair. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

These events are not just iconic competitions and multicultural celebrations—they’re also marketing platforms for the world’s largest brands. —Harvard Business Review, 10 June 2026

Noun

Generations of multiculturalism meant immigrants came to the country and brought allegiances to their place of birth with them. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Later eras of pluralism and multiculturalism celebrated diversity and protected the ability of communities to preserve their identities. —Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1935, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for multicultural

• agricultural
• countercultural
• horticultural
• intercultural
• silvicultural
• viticultural
• bicultural
• subcultural
• transcultural
• cultural
• nonagricultural
• sociocultural

Kids Definition

multicultural

adjective

mul·​ti·​cul·​tur·​al ˌməl-ti-ˈkəlch-rəl  -ˌtī- 

-ə-rəl

: of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures

a multicultural society

multiculturalism

-rə-ˌliz-əm 

noun