international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting two or more nations
international trade
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a group or association having members in two or more nations
international movement
3
: active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries
an international reputation
internationality noun
internationally adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

: one that is international
especially : an organization of international scope

Examples of international in a Sentence

Adjective an international association of chemists She has achieved international fame.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The National Business Daily, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said the listing would provide a necessary capital boost for CATL’s international expansion as it has been constrained by limited foreign currency reserves and rising geopolitical risks. John Liu, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 An international rollout will follow in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Noun
Timber was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday and The Athletic reported on Monday that the Netherlands international was set to undergo ankle surgery. Sam Joseph, New York Times, 21 May 2025 The final Brazil squad for the upcoming June internationals will be confirmed on Monday, May 26th. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for international

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international was in 1780

Cite this Entry

“International.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

international

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, affecting, or involving two or more nations
international trade
2
: active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries
an international reputation
internationally
-ˈnash-nə-lē How to pronounce international (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

international

2 of 2 noun
: an organization having branches in more than one country

More from Merriam-Webster on international

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!