treaty

noun

trea·​ty ˈtrē-tē 

plural treaties

1

a

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation:

(1)

: a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (such as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state

(2)

: private treaty

b

: a document in which such a contract is set down

2

: the action of treating and especially of negotiating

Synonyms

• accord
• alliance
• compact
• convention
• covenant
• pact

Examples of treaty in a Sentence

a nuclear test ban treaty

in accordance with a treaty between the United States and the tribes of the Pacific Northwest, commercial fishing of certain kinds of salmon is limited to Native Americans

Recent Examples on the Web

Both projects, part of a 2022 treaty between both nations, are expected to end the frequent beach closures. —Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024

But the resulting Geneva treaty will then be submitted to a referendum in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. —Kai Bird, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

Instead, the brief stated that the district court should reconsider the economic impacts and arbitration between the U.S. and Canada over the treaty. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024

Several pointed to a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the international treaty that defines a framework for relations between countries. —Marlon Sorto, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

With the exception of Cuba, several foreign countries with U.S. extradition treaties have assisted federal authorities in capturing and returning the Medicare fraud fugitives. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024

This would be an empty gesture, as no treaty provisions would apply until all 32 members ratify Ukraine’s accession. —Ivo Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2024

Both the Philippines and Japan are US defense treaty allies, and the US military retains permanent bases in Japan and has base rights in the Philippines. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

Slovakia's president has limited power but does ratify international treaties, appoint judges, serves as commander in chief of the armed forces and can veto laws passed by parliament. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trete, from Anglo-French treté, from past participle of treter to discuss, treat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing treaty

• nonaggression pact/treaty
• nonaggression treaty/pact
• peace treaty
• private treaty
• treaty port

Kids Definition

treaty

noun

trea·​ty ˈtrēt-ē 

plural treaties

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation

especially : one between two or more states or rulers

Legal Definition

treaty

noun

trea·​ty

plural treaties

1

: the action of treating and especially of negotiating

2

: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation: as

a

: private treaty

b

: a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state

the President…shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties

—U.S. Constitution art. II

compare executive agreement

3

: a document embodying a negotiated agreement or contract

4

: an agreement or contract (as between companies) providing for treaty reinsurance

Etymology

Anglo-French treté, from Middle French traité, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin, handling, treatment, from tractare to treat, handle