Definition

Proper noun: - An international organization based in Geneva that monitors and enforces rules governing global trade: The World Trade Organization is the global institution responsible for establishing, overseeing, and facilitating the rules of trade between nations. Its primary functions are to ensure trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.

Usage

The term "World Trade Organization" is used as a singular proper noun to refer to the specific international body. It is often abbreviated as WTO. - It is typically used with the definite article "the" (e.g., the World Trade Organization). - It functions as the subject or object in a sentence concerning international trade agreements, disputes, or policy.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • The World Trade Organization establishes the legal ground rules for international commerce.
  • Since its founding, the World Trade Organization has aimed to reduce trade barriers.
• As an object:
  • Many countries are members of the World Trade Organization.
  • The dispute was settled through the World Trade Organization's arbitration process.

Advanced Usage

• "WTO rules": Refers to the body of agreements and regulations administered by the organization.
  • The company's practices were found to be in violation of WTO rules.
• "WTO member" / "WTO membership": Denotes a country that has joined the organization.
  • As a WTO member, the country agreed to lower its import tariffs.

Variants and Related Words

• WTO (n.): The standard and most common abbreviation for the World Trade Organization.
  • The WTO will hold its next ministerial conference in Geneva.
• GATT (n.): The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the treaty and organization that preceded the WTO.
  • The principles of GATT were incorporated into the World Trade Organization.

Synonyms

• Global trade body: A general term for an international institution regulating trade.
• Multilateral trade organization: Emphasizes the organization's role in agreements involving multiple nations.

Related Phrases

• "to bring a case before the WTO": To initiate a formal trade dispute settlement procedure.
  • The government decided to bring a case before the WTO against the unfair subsidies.
• "WTO-compliant": Conforming to the rules and agreements of the WTO.
  • The new policy must be WTO-compliant to avoid sanctions.

Noun

1. an international organization based in Geneva that monitors and enforces rules governing global trade