inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər How to pronounce inner (audio)
1
a
: situated farther in
the inner bark
b
: being near a center especially of influence
the inner circles of political power
2
a
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
the inner life
b
: existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup
inner child
inner artist
inner noun
innerly adverb

Examples of inner in a Sentence

She led the guests to an inner room. the inner face of the arch the inner lining of the jacket listening to her inner voice
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.
The fight scenes display mere curiosity about the sport but no enthusiasm for it or insight into its inner dimensions. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025 This past May, Garth and her daughter Fiona spoke about everything from their favorite outfits to defining inner beauty while on set for PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful issue. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 And now, Saliba’s inner child is going to continue living the dream for at least another five years after signing a new contract at the club despite interest from Real Madrid. Art De Roché, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Washing your hands in between might be worthwhile—touching the outer layers to peel, and then the inner sections can cause cross-contamination. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inner

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English innera, comparative of inne within

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Inner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inner

adjective
in·​ner ˈin-ər How to pronounce inner (audio)
1
a
: situated farther in
inner room
b
: being near a center especially of influence
an inner circle of advisors
2
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
inner peace
innerly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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