treaty

[ tree-tee ]

noun

, plural trea·ties.

1. a formal agreement between two or more states in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations.
2. the formal document embodying such an international agreement.
3. any agreement or compact.

treaty

/ ˈtriːtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a formal agreement or contract between two or more states, such as an alliance or trade arrangement
   2. the document in which such a contract is written
2. any international agreement
3. any pact or agreement
4. an agreement between two parties concerning the purchase of property at a price privately agreed between them
5. archaic.
   negotiation towards an agreement
6. in Canada
   1. any of the formal agreements between Indian bands and the federal government by which the Indians surrender their land rights in return for various forms of aid
   2. ( as modifier )

      treaty Indians

      treaty money

7. an obsolete word for entreaty

Derived Forms

• ˈtreatyless, adjective

Other Words From

• non·treaty noun plural nontreaties

Word History and Origins

Origin of treaty¹

1350–1400; Middle English trete < Anglo-French < Latin tractātus tractate

Word History and Origins

Origin of treaty¹

C14: from Old French traité , from Medieval Latin tractātus treaty, from Latin: discussion, from tractāre to manage; see treat

Example Sentences

Regardless, treaty negotiations to end plastic pollution collapsed on Sunday after the event in Busan, South Korea closed without the nations firmly agreeing to put limits on plastic production.

From Salon

"The objective of this treaty is to end plastic pollution not plastic itself, plastic has brought immense benefit to societies worldwide," said the Kuwait negotiators in the final hours.

From BBC

As president, he mocked the treaty’s mutual-defense clause, claiming even "tiny" Montenegro could drag the U.S. into war.

From Salon

Prevent conflict through international treaties and intergovernmental management of transboundary river basins -- for example, the Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India, and Peru and Bolivia's joint governance of Lake Titicaca.

From Science Daily

Details of the treaty's legal text are being worked out and it is expected to go before the UK Parliament for scrutiny next year.

From BBC