international law

noun

: a body of rules that control or affect the rights of nations in their relations with each other

Examples of international law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last week, soldiers in the Israeli military said leadership ordered soldiers to fire on unarmed Palestinians at aid distribution centers in Gaza, indicating the killings are the result of IDF policies targeting civilians in violation of international law. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025 That ambiguity focuses attention on the strike’s legitimacy, in both domestic and international law. Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 Why burden ourselves with questions about civilian deaths, war crimes or international law? Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025 However, imminence is undefined in international law. Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for international law

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international law was in 1789

Cite this Entry

“International law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international%20law. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

international law

noun
: a body of laws, rules, or legal principles that are based on custom, treaties, or legislation and that control or affect the rights and duties of nations in relation to each other compare internal law

More from Merriam-Webster on international law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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