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

Gastrointestinal Conditions Chia seeds may help manage gastrointestinal conditions, including those associated with intestinal inflammation and an imbalance of gut bacteria. —Joy Emeh, Health, 5 Oct. 2025

This infection can also be intestinal. —Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025

Once in the stomach, the larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate to the skin. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025

The absence of diarrhea and dehydration ruled out cholera and other intestinal infections, the third most common cause of death. —Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 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