international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or affecting two or more nations

international trade

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a group or association having members in two or more nations

international movement

3

: active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries

an international reputation

internationality

ˌin-tər-ˌna-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

internationally

ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-lē 

adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

: one that is international

especially : an organization of international scope

Synonyms

Adjective

• foreign
• multinational
• transnational

Examples of international in a Sentence

Adjective

an international association of chemists

She has achieved international fame.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Delivered to a high standard by Thales’s international team, in close collaboration with industry partners, this achievement showcases the quality, openness, and technical expertise that have defined Thales’s approach to the Type 31 delivery – earning praise from the Royal Navy. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025

Today, Interpol unites 196 member countries under the leadership of a secretary general, orchestrating daily operations to combat various international crimes. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Noun

Yes, absolutely Even if many Newcastle fans may never want to hear the name ‘Alexander Isak’ again, the Sweden international has left an inadvertent financial gift for his former club. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

According to Golan, a combination of convenience and financial incentives is pushing internationals toward buying new builds in the Magic City. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1870, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing international

• international bitterness unit
• international date line
• international law
• international pitch
• international relations
• international unit
• the international date line

Rhymes for international

• multinational
• supranational
• binational
• irrational
• subnational
• transnational
• national
• rational

Kids Definition

international

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, affecting, or involving two or more nations

international trade

2

: active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries

an international reputation

internationally

-ˈnash-nə-lē 

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

international

2 of 2 noun

: an organization having branches in more than one country