international law

American  

noun

1. the body of rules that nations generally recognize as binding in their conduct toward one another.

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international law British  

noun

1. the body of rules generally recognized by civilized nations as governing their conduct towards each other and towards each other's subjects

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international law Cultural  

1. A body of rules and principles that govern the relations among nations. (See Geneva Conventions and International Court of Justice.)

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Etymology

Origin of international law

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

In 1945, there was no way under national or international law that the operatives of the Nazi state could be tried.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The resolution welcomes the ICJ opinion "as an authoritative contribution to the clarification of existing international law" and calls on states to "comply with their respective obligations" to protect the global climate.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

She said the pair's transfer to Israeli custody was "a clear violation of international law" and that they had been subjected to ill-treatment while in custody.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Six Flags said Christopher Bennett, a partner at the international law firm Dentons, will join as chief legal and compliance officer on June 3.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

I finished talking about my desire to work in international law and how a job at this firm would be the perfect gateway into that field.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad