international

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

: one that is international

especially : an organization of international scope

internationality

3 of 3

noun (2)

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al·​i·​ty

-lətē, 

-i

: the quality or state of being international

internationality of the use of scientific language

—Otto Neurath

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

Showdowns over international inspectors caused years of disputes between the US and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and more recently Iran. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency last night, announcing the closure of Caracas’ international airport and disruptions to public services in affected areas. — Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Noun

Dempsey was a United States international. — Cameron Lancaster, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Ruud van Nistelrooy keeps a close eye on the internationals, who eventually receive compliments. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

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