multinational

[ muhl-tee-nash-uh-nl, muhl-tahy- ]

noun

1. a large corporation with operations and subsidiaries in several countries.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving several nations.
2. noting or pertaining to multinationals.

multinational

/ ˌmʌltɪˈnæʃənəl /

adjective

1. (of a large business company) operating in several countries

noun

1. such a company

Other Words From

• multi·nation·al·ism noun
• multi·nation·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of multinational¹

First recorded in 1925–30; multi- + national

Example Sentences

If it proceeds, the legal action would be the first of its kind brought against the pharmaceutical multinational in the UK.

From BBC

“Now they’re cogs in enormous, multinational operations where one domino suddenly sends 50 others falling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Its last operator, Mexican multinational building materials company Cemex, declined to comment on the closure.

From Los Angeles Times

Big, multinational corporations, are likely to be able to take on and absorb the extra costs, but smaller, independent companies, are to be hit harder by tax rises.

From BBC

It is often acquired from multinational firms that specialize in the product, but subsidiaries of large insurance companies sometimes buy reinsurance from a parent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continental
• global
• multicultural