intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
-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
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.
Tracking of an outbreak of the intestinal ailment began in Michigan on June 22, and the number has been increasing by the hundreds each day. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The microscopic parasite causes cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness that has sickened thousands of Americans. — Ava Berger, NPR, 30 July 2026 The resulting intestinal illness causes watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping and other symptoms. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Medical experts emphasize that infection from Cyclospora cayetanensis, a foodborne intestinal parasite, is a painful illness. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intestinal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intestinal was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing intestinal

Rhymes for intestinal

See All Rhymes for intestinal

Browse Nearby Words

intestate
intestinal
intestinal calculus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intestinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intestinal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intestinal

adjective
in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
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 How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intestinal

Nglish: Translation of intestinal for Spanish Speakers

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