multipolar

adjective

mul·​ti·​po·​lar ˌməl-tē-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce multipolar (audio)
-ˌtī-
1
: having several poles (see pole entry 3)
a multipolar generator
multipolar mitoses
2
: having several dendrites
multipolar neurons
3
: characterized by more than two centers of power or interest
a multipolar world
multipolarity
ˌməl-tē-pō-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce multipolar (audio)
-ˈla-rə-tē
-ˌtī-
noun

Examples of multipolar 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.
Trump’s foreign policy is hastening the arrival of a multipolar world by unleashing and accelerating forces that will be difficult to reverse. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 In the absence of consistent U.S. engagement, Malaysia and its neighbors are pursuing strategic pluralism that reflects a multipolar world. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 In today’s multipolar world, the concept of hegemony faces new challenges. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 Now, as the United States contends with a multipolar world, the Vietnamese ghost lingers still. Leo Tran, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for multipolar

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multipolar was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multipolar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multipolar. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

multipolar

adjective
mul·​ti·​po·​lar ˌməl-ti-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce multipolar (audio) -ˌtī- How to pronounce multipolar (audio)
1
: having several poles
multipolar mitoses
2
: having several dendrites
multipolar nerve cells
multipolarity noun
plural multipolarities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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