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

Services typically include help arranging medical second opinions, scheduling appointments, providing multilingual interpretation in languages such as Arabic, Russian, French, and English, and assisting with visa documentation and financial coordination. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026

The agency hopes to increase lighting, wayfinding and multilingual signage, along with enhanced service levels. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

The future of the Oscars is already multilingual, borderless and already redefining excellence. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026

Broward Therapists has hired multilingual counselors. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1