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

See Examples For:

international law

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Chinese military has always complied with international law and international practice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

"Unesco firmly condemns all attacks against cultural property protected under international law," he told gathered dignitaries, including President Volodymyr Zelensky.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

The board added it “strongly disagrees” with the measures taken by Panama and will continue to seek resolution with the country while pursuing its rights under the treaty and international law.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

Alexis Romero, attorney specializing in economic and environmental justice, argues in Slate that these new orders push the boundaries of both U.S. and international law.

From Slate ● Aug. 13, 2026

We are all bits and pieces of history and literature and international law, Byron, Tom Paine, Machiavelli, or Christ, it's here.

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury