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international

adj. · n.
US //ˌɪnɝˈnæʃənəɫ// UK //ˌɪntənˈæʃənəl// in·ter·na·tion·al
  1. 1 between nations (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    involving two or more different countries.

    relating to, occurring between, or involving two or more nations.

    Example

    The city has a large international airport with flights to every continent.

    Example

    The treaty requires international cooperation to effectively manage carbon emissions across borders.
  2. 2 sports player (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Sport

    a person who plays a sport for their national team.

    an athlete who has represented their country in a specific sport at the senior level.

    Example

    The retired rugby international now works as a commentator on television.

    Example

    As a former international with fifty caps for her country, she brought invaluable experience to the coaching staff.

    Usage

    Often used with a number, such as 'a former England international'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very common in UK and Australian sports media but rare in American English.
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  1. 3 sports match (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Sport

    a game or competition between the national teams of different countries.

    a sporting contest played between two national representative teams.

    Example

    The stadium was packed for the football international between France and Spain.

    Example

    The upcoming autumn internationals will serve as a crucial benchmark for the team's progress ahead of the world championships.
    • club match
  2. 4 political group (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    a large group of political parties from different countries that share the same ideas.

    a transnational organisation of political parties or movements sharing a common ideology.

    Example

    The historian wrote a book about the socialist international in the nineteenth century.

    Example

    The delegates sought to coordinate their efforts through the newly formed international, aiming for a unified policy across Europe.

    Usage

    Often capitalised when referring to a specific historical group.

    Teacher's tip

    Usually refers to historical socialist or communist organisations like the 'First International'.
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