intercontinental
Americanadjective
-
between or among continents; involving two or more continents.
intercontinental trade.
-
traveling or capable of traveling between continents.
intercontinental airplanes.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of intercontinental
First recorded in 1850–55; inter- + continental
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead of intercontinental ballistic missiles, armored vehicles and other military hardware, parade goers were shown a video of that equipment, either in action in Ukraine or being tested for readiness.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026
Strolling alongside her father in front of a towering intercontinental ballistic missile, she wore black trousers and a white padded jacket with her long hair tied back.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years by beating Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final, with an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe sealing the win.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Defence experts believe North Korea is planning to use its solid-fuel rocket engines for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles.
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
Today, our jet planes have made even the longest intercontinental flights briefer than the duration of any human infectious disease.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
