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 of international

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

High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there. — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

His work at times extends beyond Ghana to include international like with people like the Kenyan British artist Michael Armitage and his Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute. — Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Noun

As the graphic below shows, Sesko managed no more than five consecutive Premier League starts at any point last season, while the Slovenian international has missed the bulk of this campaign through injury. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

The first game back after an extended three-week break for internationals is Arsenal, the defending champion, at home to Leeds on Saturday lunchtime. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, 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
• nonrational
• 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