intl

IPA/ˈɪntəl/
IPA/ˈɪntəl/

intl — abbreviation

1. a short written form of the word 'international', used mainly in notes, forms, o

1.abbreviationB1
Definition

a short written form of the word 'international', used mainly in notes, forms, or informal messages to save space.

Example

Liam booked an intl flight from London to Tokyo for next spring.

abbreviation modifying 'flight'

The intl shipping fee for Joao's order was lower than he expected.

abbreviation modifying 'shipping fee'

Common collocations
  • intl flight
  • intl call
  • intl shipping
  • intl student
  • intl event
  • intl office

Grammar Patterns

intl + noun (e.g. intl flight, intl call)

Usage Note

Written abbreviation only — not used in formal or spoken English. Common in labels (e.g. 'intl calls', 'intl students'), forms, and brief notes where space is limited. When reading aloud, always say the full word 'international'.

Common Mistakes

She works in the intl department of a bank.' (in formal writing).
She works in the international department of a bank.
'intl' is not appropriate in formal written English.

Word family

Etymology

English

A shortened form of 'international', created by removing most letters except the first, last, and key consonants — a common pattern for English abbreviations (cf. 'govt' for government, 'dept' for department).