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

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

The two sides also agreed to deepen security cooperation and "reaffirmed the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means based on international law," according to the Vietnamese prime minister.

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

Riker also has called for caution, stressing the importance of international law and congressional authority in decisions to deploy military force.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Israel insists that its actions comply with international law.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

He worked in a London office, specializing in international law; she kept their home.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock