internal

adjective

in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
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 noun
internally adverb

Examples of internal in a Sentence

the internal structure of the planet a patient who is experiencing internal bleeding
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.
Their arms had fallen off; their internal organs hung outside their bodies. JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025 Also, sources familiar with Madrid’s internal discussions say that the current hierarchy wants to ensure that decisions such as hiring or firing the coach and player transfers would always be made by the board, which is ultimately answerable to the socios. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 This internal system is crucial for helping store leaders manage daily operations. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 The move came eight months after the controversial resignation of former AD Pat Hobbs, who had been under an internal investigation over an inappropriate relationship with gymnastics coach Umme Salim-Beasley, one of his subordinates. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for internal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of internal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Internal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

internal

adjective
in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
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 adverb

Medical Definition

internal

adjective
in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on internal

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