adj
Uncommon
multinational
Multinational (adj) means involving or operating across more than one country. Example: “The peacekeeping force was a multinational effort.”
adj
1
Involving or operating across more than one country.
"The peacekeeping force was a multinational effort."
"She works for a large multinational corporation."
"The festival attracted a multinational crowd, with visitors from every continent."
noun
1
A company that operates in multiple countries.
"The multinational moved its headquarters overseas for tax reasons."
"Local shops struggled to compete once a huge multinational opened a store in town."
"A multinational must follow the laws of every country where it trades."
How to use multinational
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpanning several countries, or a company that does business in many of them.
Common pairings
multinational corporation
multinational company
multinational force
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like multinational.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- multinationals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The peacekeeping force was a _____ effort.
Etymology
From "multi-" (many) plus "national."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for multinational
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for multinational →
Frequently asked questions
What does “multinational” mean?
The word “multinational” means involving or operating across more than one country. In plain terms, spanning several countries, or a company that does business in many of them.
How do you use “multinational” in a sentence?
Here is “multinational” used in a sentence: “The peacekeeping force was a multinational effort.”
What part of speech is “multinational”?
Depending on how it is used, “multinational” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “multinational” a common word?
“Multinational” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “multinational” have?
“Multinational” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving or operating across more than one country.
What is the difference between multinational and international?
Multinational describes a company that operates and has a physical presence across more than one country, while international more broadly describes anything involving relations or activity between countries without necessarily implying operations in each one. A multinational corporation typically has offices, factories, or subsidiaries in multiple nations, whereas an international business might simply trade across borders.
What is the difference between multinational and global?
Multinational refers to operating across more than one country, while global implies a company or effect spans the entire world or nearly all major markets. A multinational company may operate in several countries without necessarily having a truly worldwide presence, whereas global suggests broader reach.
Can multinational be used as a noun as well as an adjective?
Yes, multinational can function as a noun referring to a company that operates in multiple countries, as in "the multinational announced new offices abroad." It is also commonly used as an adjective, as in "a multinational corporation."
