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

Anar Mammadli was arrested in April on charges of smuggling, just two months after he co-founded an organisation calling for the Azerbaijani government to do more to align with the Paris agreement - a major international treaty on cutting fossil fuel emissions.

From BBC

The core values of the treaty have, over time, been woven into New Zealand's laws in an effort to redress the wrong done to Māori during colonisation.

From BBC

But Act - a minor party in the ruling centre-right coalition - say this has resulted in the country being divided by race, and the bill will allow the treaty to be interpreted more fairly through parliament, rather than the courts.

From BBC

The tabling of the Treaty Principles Bill comes following a series of measures introduced by the government that have affected Māori.

From BBC

The Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the British and many, but not all, Māori tribes, which was signed in 1840.

From BBC