international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
Synonyms of international
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 How to pronounce international (audio)
noun
internationally
ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-lē How to pronounce international (audio)
adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

: one that is international
especially : an organization of international scope

Synonyms of international

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Adjective

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Examples of international in a Sentence

Adjective an international association of chemists She has achieved international fame.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas of Pumas, who made three World Cup rosters before retiring from international soccer with Costa Rica in 2024, is also on the squad. — Kamran Nia july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 Patel arrived in Jakarta shortly after talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet concerning joint efforts to combat international online scam operations that cheat victims out of billions of dollars annually. — ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
In 1982, while still an England international, Keegan shocked the footballing world by trading First Division Southampton for Newcastle, who had just finished their fourth-successive campaign in the second tier. — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The cinemas were filled with diverse crowds, Jews and Arabs, secular and religious citizens, locals and internationals. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for international

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international was in 1780

Phrases Containing international

Rhymes for international

See All Rhymes for international

Browse Nearby Words

internation
international
international auxiliary language
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“International.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

international

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
-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 How to pronounce international (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

international

2 of 2 noun
: an organization having branches in more than one country

More from Merriam-Webster on international

Nglish: Translation of international for Spanish Speakers

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