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

In this multilingual ecosystem, Bollywood refers to the influential part of the industry located in Mumbai, which mostly releases films in Hindi. —Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026

Daily, overnight or tailor‑made multi-day cruises are guided by multilingual crews with customizable itineraries across quaint seaside villages and secret inlets. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Kenerson, a multilingual teacher at Holmes, started the middle school club when students couldn't read her writing on the board. —Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026

That funding goes toward professional development, resources for multilingual students and enrichment. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1