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
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
in·ter·nal·i·ty
ˌin(ˌ)tərˈnalətē
plural -es
: the quality or state of being internal : interiority
Examples of internal in a Sentence
Adjective
the internal structure of the planet
a patient who is experiencing internal bleeding
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
His proposal had underscored the shaky autonomy of the civilian group, which has clashed with the police officers union, city leaders and former chiefs — not to mention internal strife between commissioners — in the decade since voters overwhelmingly approved its formation.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
The Huron Valley facility in Ypsilanti, which is the state's only prison housing females, is the focus of an internal affairs division investigation as authorities look into the circumstances of three women who died this spring at the facility.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 24 June 2026
The combination of burning gasoline through internal combustion and utilizing electrical energy allows hybrids to travel further on a single tank of gas than internal combustion engine vehicles.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internal
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Adjective
Andrew Coffman, an Atlanta employment discrimination and civil rights lawyer, has represented employees and employers and worked as an internal investigator for companies.
—Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
His proposal had underscored the shaky autonomy of the civilian group, which has clashed with the police officers union, city leaders and former chiefs — not to mention internal strife between commissioners — in the decade since voters overwhelmingly approved its formation.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
The Huron Valley facility in Ypsilanti, which is the state's only prison housing females, is the focus of an internal affairs division investigation as authorities look into the circumstances of three women who died this spring at the facility.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 24 June 2026
The combination of burning gasoline through internal combustion and utilizing electrical energy allows hybrids to travel further on a single tank of gas than internal combustion engine vehicles.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internal
Cite this Entry
“Internal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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