adjective
Uncommon
multicultural
mul-tee-KUL-chuh-rul
Multicultural (adjective) means relating to or made up of several different cultures. Example: “London is one of the most multicultural cities in Europe.”
adjective
1
Relating to or made up of several different cultures.
"London is one of the most multicultural cities in Europe."
"The school celebrates a multicultural mix of traditions and languages."
"They enjoy a multicultural diet shaped by cuisines from around the world."
2
euphemistic Relating to people, households or families of mixed or different ethnicities or races.
"The charity supports multicultural families settling into a new country."
"Their multicultural household speaks three languages at home."
How to use multicultural
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMulticultural means involving or made up of several different cultures.
When to use it
The second, ethnicity-focused sense is a euphemistic use rather than the plain, literal meaning of the word.
Memory tip
Stress falls on the syllable cul, not on multi, so say mul-tee-KUL-chuh-rul.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
multicultural city
multicultural society
multicultural community
multicultural background
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London is one of the most _____ cities in Europe.
Etymology
Multicultural was formed within English, either by adding the ending -al to multiculture or by combining the prefix multi-, meaning many, with cultural.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
monocultural
Related words
Rhymes for multicultural
rural
mural
plural
neural
natural
cultural
epidural
subdural
guttural
unnatural
inaugural
structural
See all rhymes for multicultural →
Frequently asked questions
What does multicultural mean?
Multicultural describes something that involves or relates to several different cultures existing together.
Is multicultural the same as multiracial?
Not exactly; multicultural is broader and refers to different cultures, while it is sometimes used euphemistically to describe families or groups of mixed ethnicities or races.
What is the opposite of multicultural?
Monocultural is the natural opposite, describing something that relates to a single culture rather than several.
What is the meaning of multicultural?
"multicultural" (adjective) means relating to or made up of several different cultures.
