intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
-ˈtes(t)-nəl, 
-ˈte-sᵊn-əl
British often ˌin-(ˌ)te-ˈstī-nᵊl
1
: affecting, occurring, or living in the intestine
2
: of, relating to, or being the intestine
intestinally adverb

Examples of intestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Faux greenery eliminates plant-toxin concerns, but loose pieces can still become choking hazards or cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Although Salmonella primarily originates in the intestinal tracts of people and animals, including insects and birds, the bacterium is commonly found in the environment. — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Black may follow black licorice or blueberries, though persistently dark, foul-smelling stool can point to intestinal or liver issues. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 State and national health officials continue to track an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite that affected thousands of people in Southeast Michigan this summer. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intestinal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intestinal was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing intestinal

Rhymes for intestinal

See All Rhymes for intestinal

Browse Nearby Words

intestate
intestinal
intestinal calculus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intestinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intestinal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intestinal

adjective
in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
1
: of or relating to the intestine
2
: affecting or occurring in the intestine
intestinally
-ē
adverb

Medical Definition

intestinal

adjective
in·​tes·​ti·​nal
in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl, -ˈtes-ᵊn-əl, British often ˌin-(ˌ)tes-ˈtīn-ᵊl
1
a
: affecting or occurring in the intestine
intestinal digestion
intestinal catarrh
b
: living in the intestine
the intestinal flora
an intestinal worm
2
: of, relating to, or being the intestine
the intestinal canal
intestinally
-ē How to pronounce intestinal (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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