intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl 

-ˈtes(t)-nəl, 

-ˈte-sᵊn-əl

British often ˌin-(ˌ)te-ˈstī-nᵊl

1

: affecting, occurring, or living in the intestine

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

intestinally adverb

Examples of intestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Canadian team also confirmed that this pre-disease immune response was associated with intestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction, both hallmarks of Crohn’s disease. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026

Research is unclear on the underlying reasons for IBS, but researchers do know that it has not been linked to permanent intestinal damage. —Pamela Assid Woughter, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026

Not only can batteries cause intestinal obstruction, but the chemicals in and on them can cause internal burns. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2026

The wellness guru believes that the secret to dieting is feeding your gut microbiome, which is the trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that inhabit your intestinal tract and bear huge impact on your weight and health. —Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intestinal

• intestinal fortitude

Rhymes for intestinal

• gastrointestinal

Kids Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to the intestine

2

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal

in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl, -ˈtes-ᵊn-əl, British often ˌin-(ˌ)tes-ˈtīn-ᵊl

1

a

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinal digestion

intestinal catarrh

b

: living in the intestine

the intestinal flora

an intestinal worm

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

the intestinal canal

intestinally

-ē 

adverb