ENGLISH
REFERENCE

multilingual

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌməɫtaɪˈɫɪŋwəɫ// UK //mˌʌltɪlˈɪŋɡwəl// mul·ti·lin·gual
Definition

adj. able to speak, write, or understand more than two languages. You can also use it to describe a place or a document that uses several languages.

adj. able to use more than two languages with some degree of proficiency. Often describes societies, individuals, or texts where multiple linguistic systems coexist.


SIMPLE

She is multilingual and speaks four languages fluently.

CONTEXTUAL

The city is truly multilingual, with street signs written in three different languages to help all residents.

COMPLEX

In an increasingly globalised economy, multilingual employees are often preferred for their ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and facilitate international negotiations.

Origin

From multi- + lingual.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

Last updated May 11, 2026