international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
Synonyms of internationalnext
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 noun
internationally adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

: one that is international
especially : an organization of international scope

Examples of international in a Sentence

Adjective an international association of chemists She has achieved international fame.
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.
Adjective
In October, 2024, Yotam Ben-Hillel, an Israeli human-rights lawyer, petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court on behalf of a coalition of international aid groups in an effort to force the Israeli government to address the situation. Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026 The 49ers and Jacksonville each have two international games. Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Noun
Fans serenaded Saiss, who now plays for Qatari side Al Sadd, and showed their appreciation for Jimenez throughout the game on Sunday, even when the Mexico international was simply warming up before his second-half introduction. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026 The Jamaican international finished the play with a 4-yard header between goalkeeper Angelina Anderson and the far post. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for international

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international was in 1780

Cite this Entry

“International.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

international

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
-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 How to pronounce international (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

international

2 of 2 noun
: an organization having branches in more than one country

More from Merriam-Webster on international

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster