noun
Uncommon
internship
IHN-turn-shihp
Internship (noun) means a temporary position, often for a student, aimed at gaining work experience in a particular field. Example: “She landed a summer internship at a design studio.”
noun
1
A temporary position, often for a student, aimed at gaining work experience in a particular field.
"She landed a summer internship at a design studio."
"His internship at the local newspaper taught him how a busy office runs."
"She hopes an unpaid internship will lead to a proper job after graduation."
How to use internship
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short-term job, often unpaid or low-paid, that gives someone hands-on experience in a career field.
Common pairings
summer internship
paid internship
land an internship
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Word forms
- Plural
- internships
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She landed a summer _____ at a design studio.
Etymology
From intern plus the suffix -ship.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “internship” mean?
The word “internship” means a temporary position, often for a student, aimed at gaining work experience in a particular field. In plain terms, a short-term job, often unpaid or low-paid, that gives someone hands-on experience in a career field.
How do you pronounce “internship”?
“Internship” is pronounced IHN-turn-shihp (/ˈɪntɝnʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “internship” in a sentence?
Here is “internship” used in a sentence: “She landed a summer internship at a design studio.”
What part of speech is “internship”?
“Internship” is a noun.
Is “internship” a common word?
“Internship” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an internship and an apprenticeship?
An internship is a temporary position, often for a student, aimed at gaining work experience in a particular field, commonly found in business, media, and professional sectors. An apprenticeship usually involves longer, more structured training in a skilled trade, often combining paid work with formal instruction leading to a qualification.
Are internships always paid?
Internships can be paid or unpaid depending on the industry, country, and employer, though many are lower-paid than standard jobs because the focus is on gaining experience rather than earning a full salary. Some fields, particularly competitive creative or nonprofit sectors, are more likely to offer unpaid internships.
Do internships usually lead to permanent jobs?
An internship is designed primarily as a temporary position for gaining experience, not as a guarantee of permanent employment, though many employers do use internships to evaluate candidates for future roles. Whether an internship converts to a full-time job depends on the employer, performance, and available openings.
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