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

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

The organization also distributes multilingual books, opening doors for children to explore new languages, cultures and experiences. —Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

Interpreter Celimar Rivera Cosme, who performed at Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico last year, will also do a multilingual signing program featuring Puerto Rican Sign Language. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026

The service This is where Sofitel shines—attentive, multilingual staff who anticipate your needs without hovering. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1