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

But Nicole DeWitt, the district’s deputy superintendent, said around $13 million for educator support professional development, multilingual education, academic enrichment and before- and after-school programs could be impacted. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025

The five exiting officials include the district’s chiefs of information technology, nutrition and multilingual education. —Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

Supporters describe Soliman as a valuable member of the hospital community, providing multilingual support to families and colleagues. —Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025

This includes streaming games and content through platforms like Sina Weibo in China, having multilingual websites, and a strong presence on social media. —Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1