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

The system provides concept reinforcement, one-on-one tutoring, multilingual homework assistance, and around-the-clock academic support. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026

Aging populations, multilingual workforces, hearing differences, cognitive diversity, changing communication preferences, and evolving customer expectations are now part of the operating environment for nearly every business. — Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The clinic maintains an international-facing operation with multilingual coordination. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026

The three men wore jerseys from Argentina, Spain and South Africa while proudly detailing their multilingual backgrounds and international travel. — CBS News, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1