What does "polyglot" mean?
A publication in several languages; specifically, a book (especially a bible) containing several versions of the same subject matter or text in several languages.
Polyglot
/ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A publication in several languages; specifically, a book (especially a bible) containing several versions of the same subject matter or text in several languages.
- Grammar: polyglot is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: atlas, bilingual, bilingual prodigy, calendar.
- Useful contrasts: monolingual, monolingual edition, monolingual person.
- Usage evidence: It doesn't require you to be a polyglot.
How to use "polyglot"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "polyglot" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "polyglot" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "polyglot" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "polyglot" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "polyglot" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "atlas" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "polyglot", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A publication in several languages; specifically, a book (especially a bible) containing several versions of the same subject matter or text in several languages.
"[T]hose coming to the warehouses' doors fired them, and burned all the books and the pillars of the church, […] A great want thereof there will be of books, specially Latin books and foreign books; and, among others, the Polyglottes and new Bible, which he believes will be presently worth £40 a-piece."
- 2 a person who speaks more than one language wordnet
- 3 One who has mastered (especially when able to speak) several languages. also, figuratively
"Laſtly, a polyg[l]ot or good linguiſt may alſo be term'd a uſefull learned man, ſpecially if vers'd in School-languages."
- 4 A mixture of languages or nomenclatures. also, figuratively
- 5 A file that can be interpreted validly as multiple formats.
"If you are interested in polyglot file formats, take a look at the polyglot web page in the Corkami wiki. There are various example polyglots, including a PDF file that is also a valid HTML file with JavaScript, as well as a valid Windows PE executable."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A program written to be valid in multiple programming languages.
- 7 A bird able to imitate the sounds of other birds. obsolete
Adjective
- 1 Of a person: speaking, or versed in, many languages; multilingual. not-comparable
"'[T]is thought the two and twenty Languages which Mythrydates the great Polyglot King of Pontus did ſpeak, wer all within the circumference of Anatolia in regard his dominions extended but a little further: […]"
- 2 Containing, or made up of, several languages; specifically, of a book (especially a bible): having text translated into several languages. not-comparable
"a polyglot bible a polyglot lexicon"
- 3 Comprising various (native) linguistic groups; multilingual. not-comparable
"A polyglot region without a clearly dominant culture may develop an artificial lingua franca, such as Pidgin English in the South Sea."
Adjective
- 1 having a command of or composed in many languages wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"It doesn't require you to be a polyglot."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "polyglot"?
Common synonyms include: atlas, bilingual, bilingual prodigy, calendar, casebook, catalog.
How do you use "polyglot" in a sentence?
It doesn't require you to be a polyglot.
How do you pronounce "polyglot"?
Pronounced /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/.
Etymology
PIE word *glōgʰs Borrowed from Attic Greek πολύγλωττος (polúglōttos, “speaking many languages, multilingual”), alternative form of Ancient Greek πολῠ́γλωσσος (polŭ́glōssos, “speaking many languages, multilingual”), from πολῠ́ς (polŭ́s, “a lot of, many”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₁- (“to fill”)) + Attic Greek γλῶττα (glôtta), Ancient Greek γλῶσσᾰ (glôssă, “tongue; language”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *glōgʰs (“tip of corn”)) + -ος (-os, suffix forming o-grade action nouns). The English word is analysable as poly- + -glot. Noun sense 1 (“publication in several languages”) is probably derived from Late Latin polyglottus, from Attic Greek πολύγλωττος (polúglōttos): see above.