innermost

American  

[in-er-mohst, -muhst] / ˈɪn ərˌmoʊst, -məst /

adjective

1. farthest inward; inmost.

2. most intimate or secret.

   one's innermost beliefs.

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noun

1. the innermost part.

innermost British  

/ ˈɪnəˌməʊst /

adjective

1. being or located furthest within; central

2. intimate; private

   innermost beliefs

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Etymology

Origin of innermost

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; inner, -most

Explanation

Innermost things are located as far as possible inside or closest to the middle. The innermost part of a jelly doughnut is the where you'll find the jelly. The innermost room at your school — or the room at the very center — might be the library, and an Alaskan's innermost layer of clothing in the winter is probably her long underwear. Another way to use innermost is to mean "most intimate or private," such as your innermost beliefs, thoughts, or dreams. In Middle English, there was also an innermore.

Example Sentences

If you opt for private sessions, there’s a misconception that it will involve revealing your innermost secrets, perhaps while lying on a couch, as a therapist prods you to beat back your demons.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

In this method, astronomers observe the star at times when both TRAPPIST-1e and TRAPPIST-1b, the system's innermost and airless planet, cross in front of the star at the same time.

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2025

"Today, the main risk is invasion of privacy: our innermost thoughts are under threat," Chneiweiss said.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Transgender people instead prioritize gender identity, defined by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, as “one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

He stood in the innermost room of the House of the Wise, and it was open to the sky.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin