plural insides
1
: an inner side, edge, or surface of something
—usually singular
The door can only be locked from the inside.
—often + ofI had a sore on the inside of my mouth.
2
a
: an inner part of something (such as a building or machine)
The inside of the church is quite beautiful.
I've never seen the inside of a computer before.
—often pluralthe insides of a computer
b
informal
: the inner parts (such as the heart and stomach) of a person's body
—usually plural
I felt like my insides were tied up in knots.
always used before a noun
1
: located on or near the inner side, edge, or surface of something
an inside wall/corner/door
the inside edge of her foot
(baseball) He struck out on an inside pitch.
2
a
: coming from someone within a group or organization : relating to or having information that is known only to a special group of people
inside sources/information
He gave us an inside view of the situation.
I got the inside story from a friend who works there.
It's an inside joke. [=a joke that is understood only by people with special knowledge about something]
b
: done by someone within a group or organization
No one knows who robbed the bank, but the police suspect that it may have been an inside job. [=that it may have been robbed by or with the help of someone who works in the bank]
1
: in or into the inner part of (something or someone)
We waited inside the store.
Several people were trapped inside the burning building.
She kept her hands inside her pockets.
His feelings were building up inside him.
2
a
: within the borders or limits of (something)
He lives inside the city limits.
They make sure to stay inside the law. [=to not break any laws]
She always kept well inside [=she drove slower than] the speed limit.
b
: before the end of (a period of time)
Their marriage ended inside [=within] a year.
We should hear the results inside [=in less than] an hour.
3
: belonging to (a group or organization)
Sources inside the company indicate that there are disagreements about the change in management.
1
: in the inner part of something
I cleaned my car inside and out.
The candy is chewy inside.
He keeps all his feelings locked up inside. [=he does not express his feelings]
2
: in or into the inner part of a building, room, etc.
We went/stayed inside during the storm.
Step inside and look at our menu.
3
informal
: in prison
He got put inside for burglary.
Cite this Entry
“Inside.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inside. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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