multilingual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in academic, educational, technical (computing/linguistics), and professional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “multilingual” mean?
Able to speak or use several languages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Able to speak or use several languages; containing or expressed in several languages.
Referring to a person, community, text, system, or environment that involves, supports, or operates in multiple languages simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK/EU contexts discussing societal multilingualism; in US contexts, often linked to education, computing, or globalization.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “multilingual” in a Sentence
[be/become] multilingual[grow up/be raised] in a multilingual household[develop/implement] a multilingual strategy[cater to/serve] a multilingual populationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “multilingual” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software can multilingualise the user interface with a single click.
American English
- We need to multilingualize the app for the European market.
adverb
British English
- The instructions were written multilingually to ensure clarity for all users.
American English
- The chatbot responds multilingually, switching based on user input.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to customer service, marketing, or software that supports multiple languages to reach a global audience.
Academic
Describes research, education policies, or sociolinguistic studies focused on multiple language use.
Everyday
Used to describe people who speak several languages or schools that teach in more than one language.
Technical
In computing, describes systems, interfaces, or datasets that operate in or handle multiple languages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “multilingual”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “multilingual”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “multilingual”
- Misspelling as 'multi-lingual' (hyphenated form is less common). Using 'bilingual' when more than two languages are meant. Confusing 'multilingual' (ability/use) with 'multicultural' (cultures).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Bilingual' refers specifically to two languages. 'Multilingual' refers to two or more, but is typically used for three or more, or in contexts emphasizing the presence of many languages.
Yes. A city, country, website, or software can be described as multilingual if it operates in or supports multiple languages.
Yes, particularly when describing a person. 'Polyglot' often implies a high degree of proficiency and is slightly more formal or literary. 'Multilingual' is more general and can describe environments and systems.
'Multilingualism' is the noun referring to the state or condition of being multilingual.
Able to speak or use several languages.
Multilingual is usually neutral to formal; common in academic, educational, technical (computing/linguistics), and professional contexts. in register.
Multilingual: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/ /ˌmʌl.taɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A multilingual mind is a flexible mind.”
- “Living in a multilingual bubble.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MULTI' (many) + 'LINGUAL' (related to language/tongue). Like a multi-tool, but for languages.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGES ARE TOOLS/KEYS (to access different cultures, opportunities).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'multilingual' document?