ENGLISH
REFERENCE

NATO

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈneɪtoʊ// na·to Slang

n. Stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. An international group of countries that agree to protect each other if one is attacked. Started after World War II to help keep peace in Europe and North America.

n. Abbreviation for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. An intergovernmental military alliance established by the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949, operating on the principle of collective defence — an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.


SIMPLE

The country joined NATO to improve its national security.

CONTEXTUAL

Diplomats from several nations met at the summit to discuss how NATO should respond to the new security threats.

COMPLEX

The expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe remains a central point of contention in modern geopolitics, reflecting the alliance's shift from a Cold War deterrent to a broader security framework.

Etymology 1

From North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Etymology 2

From no+action+talk+only, from talking without acting.

Etymology 3

From National Association of Theatre Owners.

Usage

Usually functions as a proper noun; typically preceded by the definite article 'the' when used in a sentence.

© 2026 English Reference