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 End of carousel There is an inner, younger version of you who desperately wants to be loved and cared for. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Staff members at the Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia are channeling their inner fox to help a days-old fox kit in their care. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 While the director brings an impressively sensitive touch, the film can feel too mellow at times when the two seem to be talking in circles, en route to a sense of inner peace. Stephen Saito, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Her beauty line reflects Key’s values of nurturing our inner being. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 13 Mar. 2024 Those who experienced end-of-life visions agreed more strongly with those statements, suggesting that the visions sparked inner change even at the end of life. Phoebe Zerwick, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 By contrast, Gladstone’s performance, though no less accomplished, depends more on inner qualities and the ability to convey thought and feeling by sheer presence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 Then try placing it on the clitoral hood to cushion the intense vibrations, or try placing it on other parts of your vulva like along your inner labia. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024

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 18 Mar. 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
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