always used before a noun
1
: located toward the inside of something : not on or at the edge or outside of something
She led the guests to an inner room.
the inner face of the arch
the inner lining of the jacket
2
: not known to or seen by most people
the poem's inner meaning
He wanted to experience the inner workings of the political campaign. [=the parts of the campaign that are only known by the people who work on it]
3
a
: of or relating to a person's mind or spirit
inner peace/conflict
his inner life/self
listening to her inner voice
a person's inner beauty
b
: existing as a part of a person's character
He's trying to get in touch with his inner artist. [=the part of his character that is artistic]
Cite this Entry
“Inner.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inner. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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