internal

adjective

in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtər-nᵊl 

ˈin-ˌtər-

1

: existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: such as

a(1)

: situated near the inside of the body

(2)

: situated on the side toward the median plane of the body

b

: of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (such as a club, company, or state)

internal affairs

2

: relating or belonging to or existing within the mind

3

: intrinsic, inherent

internal evidence of forgery in a document

4

: present or arising within an organism or one of its parts

internal stimulus

5

: applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed

an internal remedy

internality

ˌin-ˌtər-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

internally

in-ˈtər-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of internal

• inner
• interior

Examples of internal in a Sentence

the internal structure of the planet

a patient who is experiencing internal bleeding

Recent Examples on the Web

Bumila has already undergone major elbow surgery, having internal brace surgery on his left elbow in 2025. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026

Now, executive social media operates as an informal internal town hall. — Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 5 July 2026

The wellness unit recently introduced an internal video series starring Jackson teaching meal-prep and providing practical, healthy recipes. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2026

On June 19, the police department released body cam videos from the officers involved in the incident, though an internal investigation remains ongoing. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English internalle, from Latin internus; akin to Latin inter between

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing internal

• internal bleeding
• internal clock
• internal combustion engine
• internal medicine
• internal respiration
• internal rhyme
• internal secretion

Rhymes for internal

• diurnal
• eternal
• external
• fraternal
• infernal
• maternal
• nocturnal
• paternal
• pimpernel
• colonel
• journal
• kernel

Kids Definition

internal

adjective

in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

1

: existing or lying within : inner

internal structure

2

: relating to, occurring, or located in the body

3

: of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (as a company or state)

internal affairs

internally

-ē 

adverb

Medical Definition

internal

adjective

in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

1

: existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: as

a

: situated near the inside of the body

an internal layer of abdominal muscle

b

: situated on the side toward the midsagittal plane of the body

the internal surface of the lung

2

: present or arising within an organism or one of its parts

an internal stimulus

3

: applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed

an internal remedy

internally

in-ˈtərn-ᵊl-ē 

adverb