international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce international (audio)
Synonyms of international
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
ˌin-tər-ˌna-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce international (audio)
noun
internationally
ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-lē How to pronounce international (audio)
adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms of international

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Ten years on, the Philippines' landmark victory against China in the South China Sea Arbitration remains a critical international legal precedent. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, revealed Messi’s contribution on X, thanking the Argentina international. — Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 As a seasoned international that can play on either flank, Flick views Cancelo as essential to his sporting project where conquering Europe is of paramount importance. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for international

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of international was in 1780

Phrases Containing international

Rhymes for international

See All Rhymes for international

Browse Nearby Words

internation
international
international auxiliary language
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“International.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of international for Spanish Speakers

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