treaty

noun

trea·​ty ˈtrē-tē 

plural treaties

1

a

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation:

(1)

: a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (such as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state

(2)

: private treaty

b

: a document in which such a contract is set down

2

: the action of treating and especially of negotiating

Synonyms

• accord
• alliance
• compact
• convention
• covenant
• pact

Examples of treaty in a Sentence

a nuclear test ban treaty

in accordance with a treaty between the United States and the tribes of the Pacific Northwest, commercial fishing of certain kinds of salmon is limited to Native Americans

Recent Examples on the Web

The prospects for treaty renewal look remote for now, but surprising breakthroughs have emerged before. —Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2024

The Prairie Band Potawatomi had been fighting to reclaim the 1,280-acre reservation since it was illegally auctioned off 175 years ago in violation of a treaty between the tribal nation and the U.S. government. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trete, from Anglo-French treté, from past participle of treter to discuss, treat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing treaty

• nonaggression pact/treaty
• nonaggression treaty/pact
• peace treaty
• private treaty
• treaty port

Kids Definition

treaty

noun

trea·​ty ˈtrēt-ē 

plural treaties

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation

especially : one between two or more states or rulers

Legal Definition

treaty

noun

trea·​ty

plural treaties

1

: the action of treating and especially of negotiating

2

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation: as

a

: private treaty

b

: a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state

the President…shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties

—U.S. Constitution art. II

compare executive agreement

3

: a document embodying a negotiated agreement or contract

4

: an agreement or contract (as between companies) providing for treaty reinsurance

Etymology

Anglo-French treté, from Middle French traité, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin, handling, treatment, from tractare to treat, handle