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

This convention is the most widely ratified treaty on the planet, and it states that children have an inherent right to life and a supportive environment in which to grow.

From Popular-Science

The current December 2020 cutoff is written into the Brexit deal between the UK and EU, which is now an international treaty.

From Vox

All male citizens aged 18 to 28 are required to serve in the military for about two years to guard against North Korea, which maintains one of the world’s largest standing armies and has never signed a peace treaty with South Korea.

From Fortune

That could be something along the lines of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which inspects nuclear sites and polices treaties.

From MIT Technology Review

I was hoping that a more general treaty change was coming down the track.

From Freakonomics

Start out with that so you understand what happened, beginning with the Treaty of Westphalia.

From The Daily Beast

It is one of two countries (along with Egypt) to have a peace treaty with the Jewish state.

From The Daily Beast

As a result, men from both sides, who were all sporting painful erections, gathered together to negotiate a peace treaty.

From The Daily Beast

Al-Huthaili is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and the two countries are not bound by a bilateral extradition treaty.

From The Daily Beast

Russian surveillance planes already fly over America, thanks to a long-standing treaty.

From The Daily Beast

Here and there roving parties appeared, but having no recognized leaders, their existence did not invalidate the treaty.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of this mission was eminently successful; a special treaty was drawn up and Spain sold Louisiana to France.

From Project Gutenberg

Some were inquisitive enough to ask, Has a treaty been signed or a trick been played upon the rebels?

From Project Gutenberg

Among other questions to be agreed upon and embodied in the treaty was the future of the Philippines.

From Project Gutenberg

In faith whereof, we, the respective Plenipotentiaries, have signed this treaty and have hereunto affixed our seals.

From Project Gutenberg