inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər How to pronounce inner (audio)
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

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 Oakland, Calif Kansas City Royals captain Salvador Perez channeled his inner youthful exuberance. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2024 Their relationship evolves as Laura rediscovers her voice and embraces her inner strength. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2024 The inner drawstring on the skort lets the wearer control the fit and where the waist lays on their body, giving them the option to find the most flattering fit on themselves. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2024 Victoria Monét is healing her inner child one moment at a time. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for inner 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near inner

Cite this Entry

“Inner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

inner

adjective
in·​ner ˈin-ər How to pronounce inner (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inner

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!