inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər 

1

a

: situated farther in

the inner bark

b

: being near a center especially of influence

the inner circles of political power

2

a

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

the inner life

b

: existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup

inner child

inner artist

inner noun

innerly adverb

Synonyms

• inside
• interior
• internal
• inward

Examples of inner in a Sentence

She led the guests to an inner room.

the inner face of the arch

the inner lining of the jacket

listening to her inner voice

Recent Examples on the Web

In her inner dialogue in the novel, Helga Crane reassessed her views of Blackness in her Copenhagen experiences and in the United States. —Ethelene Whitmire, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Channel your inner child by day, then book your preferred pampering for the evening. —Paula Conway, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

The inner area is covered by felt to prevent scratches. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

They’re expected to be available starting sometime in January 2025 and size 14 will have a 23-millimeter inner diameter while size 15 will expand that to 23.8 millimeters, with both options weighing 3.2 grams. —Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English innera, comparative of inne within

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inner

• inner circle
• inner city
• inner conflicts
• inner-directed
• inner ear
• inner light
• inner planet
• inner product
• inner sanctum
• inner space
• inner tube
• inner workings
• one's inner self

Kids Definition

inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈin-ər 

1

a

: situated farther in

inner room

b

: being near a center especially of influence

an inner circle of advisors

2

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

inner peace

innerly adverb