international

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl 

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 

noun

internationally

ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-lē 

adverb

international

2 of 2

noun

: one that is international

especially : an organization of international scope

Synonyms

Adjective

• foreign
• multinational
• transnational

Examples of international in a Sentence

Adjective

an international association of chemists

She has achieved international fame.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With the world watching, there is a collective aspiration that the international event will highlight the critical need for sustainable practices and mobilize concrete actions to safeguard our planet for generations to come. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024

At Olive, the market-style environment is the background for half a dozen international cuisines—from Ayurvedic tapas and pan-Asian dishes to Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Maldivian delights. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

Noun

The Netherlands international arrived at Camp Nou to great fanfare in 2019, after the Catalans beat the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to his signature following a breakout campaign in the Champions League. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

The 28-year-old is expected to secure a significant pay rise as part of the prospective deal, which will reflect the impact the Nigeria international has made since joining the club in July 2023. —Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1870, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing international

• international bitterness unit
• international date line
• international law
• international pitch
• international relations
• international unit
• the international date line

Kids Definition

international

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl 

-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 

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

international

2 of 2 noun

: an organization having branches in more than one country