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

Those who develop an intestinal illness from listeria should drink plenty of fluids, and those with invasive illnesses from the bacteria may need to be treated with antibiotics, the website says. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

Additionally, Bifidobacterium longum improves the intestinal environment. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Tracking the disease in Michigan Tracking of the outbreak of the intestinal ailment began in Michigan on June 22, with a sudden spike quickly catching the state's attention. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body triggers an immune response, which can lead to intestinal damage and cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss and vomiting. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

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