Etimology
inter- + national. Introduced in modern English by Jeremy Bentham in his An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1780.
adjective
international (comparative more international, superlative most international)
Of or having to do with more than one nation.
Of or concerning the association called the International.
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
Foreign; of another nation.
Examples
an international discussion
an international competition
an international rule
an international airport
It is time the international community faced the reality: we have an unmanageable, unfair, distortionary global tax regime. It is a tax system that is pivotal in creating the increasing inequality that marks most advanced countries today – with America standing out in the forefront and the UK not far behind.
the atmosphere is an international resource.
the international community of scholars.
an international student
The number of international players in the National Basketball Association has increased 10 percent from one year ago, the league said on Monday.
noun
international (plural internationals)
(sports, chiefly British, Ireland, Australia) Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
(sports, chiefly Britain, Ireland, Australia) A game or contest between two or more nations.
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
Examples
The United team includes five England internationals.
"The young fellah meant no real harm. After all, he's an International, so if he takes half an hour to describe a game of football he has more right to do it than most folk."
SWR has more than its fair share of major national events. As well as the [Queen's] funeral and the coronation in the past 12 months, annual events include racing at Ascot, grand slam tennis at Wimbledon, and rugby internationals at Twickenham.