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.
Just place the alarm behind any inner pull door and have added peace of mind when showering, changing, or going to bed for the night. Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025 There have been more subplots than Love Actually, including Taylor Fritz finding his inner superhero, the AELTC changing tradition in honor of the late Diogo Jota, and Ons Jabeur pulling up lame on the first morning. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 More specifically, the researchers analyzed the signaling pathways (interactions between cells) in the rodents' facial skin and in their oral mucosa – the latter is the protective inner lining of the mouth. Ben Coxworth july 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2025 This is only the third time in history that an interstellar object entering the inner solar system has been recorded. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 July 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 11 Jul. 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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