global

The word “global” means affecting or involving the whole world. In plain terms, covering the whole world, or the whole of whatever you're talking about.

“Global” is pronounced GLOH-buhl (/ˈɡloʊ.bəl/ in IPA).

Here is “global” used in a sentence: “Climate change is a global problem that no single country can solve alone.”

The opposite of “global” — its antonyms — are domestic, national, local and regional.

“Global” is an adjective.

The word “global” comes from French. From "globe" plus the adjective ending "-al," on the model of French global.

“Global” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Global” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: affecting or involving the whole world.

'International' means between or among nations, usually involving a limited number of them. 'Global' means affecting the entire world as a whole. An international agreement might involve two or three countries, while a global issue, such as climate change, concerns every nation on the planet. 'Global' is the wider term.

The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable, both suggesting something spread across the world. 'Worldwide' tends to stress geographic reach — happening in many places — while 'global' also implies acting as one connected whole. A worldwide release reaches many countries; a global system links them together.

The usual opposite is 'local', meaning confined to a particular place or small area. Words like 'regional' and 'national' also contrast with 'global' by describing something limited to one region or country rather than the whole world. The choice depends on how narrow the scope actually is.