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

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

He has worked for an international law firm and, according to his campaign website, served as chief legal officer and general counsel for California Schools VEBA, a public employee benefits organization.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Israel insists that its actions comply with international law.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

In a statement An Garda Síochána said: "Today's arrest is another extremely important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organised crime."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

There were many in the international law enforcement and intelligence communities who were convinced Le Fantôme was not a real person.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti