internal
ihn-TUR-nuhl
Internal (adj) means Located on the inside, rather than the outside. Example: “The house has an internal staircase leading up to the loft.”
adj
1
Located on the inside, rather than the outside.
"The house has an internal staircase leading up to the loft."
"Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer."
"The doctor examined her for internal injuries."
2
Relating to the private, non-public affairs of an organization or country.
"The firm held an internal meeting before telling the press."
"The memo was for internal use only."
"The country was focused on internal politics rather than foreign affairs."
How to use internal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn the inside — whether that's inside a body, a company, or a country's own affairs.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
internal injuries
internal affairs
internal memo
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more internal
- Superlative
- most internal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The house has an _____ staircase leading up to the loft.
Etymology
From New Latin internalis, from Latin internus, meaning "inward, internal."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for internal
See all rhymes for internal →Frequently asked questions
What does “internal” mean?
The word “internal” means located on the inside, rather than the outside. In plain terms, on the inside — whether that's inside a body, a company, or a country's own affairs.
How do you pronounce “internal”?
“Internal” is pronounced ihn-TUR-nuhl (/ɪnˈtɜɹ.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “internal” in a sentence?
Here is “internal” used in a sentence: “The doctor examined her for internal injuries.”
What is another word for “internal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “internal” include inner, inly, interior, interne and intern.
What is the opposite of “internal”?
The opposite of “internal” — its antonyms — are external and exterior.
What part of speech is “internal”?
“Internal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “internal” come from?
The word “internal” comes from New Latin. From New Latin internalis, from Latin internus, meaning "inward, internal.".
Is “internal” a common word?
“Internal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'internal' and 'external'?
Internal means located or happening on the inside; external means on the outside. Internal organs sit within the body, while external features are on its surface. The same contrast works more widely: an internal memo stays within a company, whereas external communication is aimed at the public.
What is an example of 'internal'?
Internal organs are those inside the body, like the heart and liver. An internal investigation is one carried out within an organisation, and internal bleeding happens inside the body rather than from a visible wound. In each case, internal points to something contained within.
Can 'internal' describe things other than physical objects?
Yes. Beyond physical position, internal often describes matters kept within a group, such as an internal email, internal politics, or an internal review. It can also refer to the mind or self, as in an internal conflict or an internal monologue that plays out entirely within a person.
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