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

This might include: chatbots to provide instant reference support, AI-vision tools that act as another set of ‘eyes’ to detect defects and reduce waste, or instant multilingual translation for broader accessibility. —Natan Linder, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Find additional culturally specific and multilingual resources here. —Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 28 July 2025

The district also provides coaching and professional development for Dobie teachers at the campus and in districtwide trainings through its multilingual team, Maldonado said. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

The multilingual track steps up from No. 43 to No. 40, narrowly managing to find space within that tier. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1