Cosmopolite

/kɑzˈmɑpəˌlaɪt/ · noun

Meaning

One who is at home in every place; a citizen of the world; a cosmopolitan person..

Definitions by Sense

1. One who is at home in every place; a citizen of the world; a cosmopolitan person.
2. (Canada, US, dated) The butterfly painted lady (Vanessa cardui).
3. (botany) A plant found more or less everywhere in the world.
4. Of or relating to cosmopolites; cosmopolitan.
5. (communication) Oriented, exposed to or open to ideas and influences outside one's own social system or group.
6. (biology) Distributed throughout the world; having a wide geographical distribution.

Example Sentences

First drink a health, this solemn night, / A health to England, every guest: / That man’s the best cosmopolite / Who loves his native country best.

Prince Gortschakoff has spoken of the elements of disturbance and the revolutionary cosmopolites of Europe, and has asked France and England and Austria to repress their activity. Well, my Lords, no doubt as carrion birds are drawn by instinct to the battle-field, so, wherever there is disturbance, the moral and political vultures of Europe will flock to take part in it

The wild goose is more of a cosmopolite than we; he breaks his fast in Canada, takes a luncheon in the Ohio, and plumes himself for the night in a southern bayou.

He was a pale, lean, acute, undeveloped little cosmopolite, who liked intellectual gymnastics and who, also, as regards the behaviour of mankind, had noticed more things than you might suppose, but who nevertheless had his proper playroom of superstitions, where he smashed a dozen toys a day.

[…] the fifties were bad years for the Jews. The campaign against the "rootless cosmopolites" was in full swing […]

Eighteenth-century Masons viewed themselves as cosmopolites, as citizens of the world who practiced toleration and inclusiveness, believed in the fundamental unity of mankind, and prized affection, sociability and benevolence.

The painted lady butterfly […] has been seen around towns throughout North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa. It's known on every continent except Antarctica, and it's even found on islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. […] Not surprisingly, the painted lady is known in some circles as the cosmopolite.

International necessities are rapidly breaking down old prejudices and conservatisms, while developing cosmopolite feeling.

Synonyms for cosmopolite

Antonyms for cosmopolite

Related Words

Word Forms

• cosmopolites
• more cosmopolite
• most cosmopolite

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions