/in"terrn ship'/ , n.
1. the state or condition of being an intern.
2. the period during which a person serves as an intern.
3. any official or formal program to provide practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession: an internship for management trainees.
4. a position as a participant in such a program: She has accepted an internship in a law firm.
5. any period of time during which a beginner acquires experience in an occupation, profession, or pursuit: She had a long internship before starting her own recording studio.
[ 1900-05; INTERN 2 + -SHIP ]