multilateral

American  

[muhl-ti-lat-er-uhl] / ˌmʌl tɪˈlæt ər əl /

adjective

1. having several or many sides; many-sided.

2. participated in by more than two nations, parties, etc.; multipartite.

   multilateral agreements on disarmament.

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multilateral British  

/ ˌmʌltɪˈlætərəl, -ˈlætrəl /

adjective

1. of or involving more than two nations or parties

   a multilateral pact

2. having many sides

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Other Word Forms

• multilateralism noun
• multilateralist adjective
• multilaterally adverb

Etymology

Origin of multilateral

First recorded in 1690–1700; multi- + lateral

Example Sentences

This rejection of cooperative partnerships "is precisely a broad rejection of multilateral institutions," said Philippe Dauba-Pantanacce, head of geopolitical analysis at the British bank Standard Chartered.

From Barron's

"I also expressed our appreciation for Samoa's consistent support for Israel in the multilateral arena," he said, adding that he had invited the prime minister to visit Israel.

From Barron's

Moreover, the tools that America helped build to tackle shared global threats, like international law and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, have been disparaged and undermined.

From Salon

The multilateral effort to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear program broke down as North Korea withdrew from the talks in 2009.

From The Wall Street Journal

After that Cubans would need outside help—a multilateral body to enforce law and set rules to transform the political economy.

From The Wall Street Journal