into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-(ˌ)tü 

-tə

1

—used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion

came into the house

enter into an alliance

2

: in the direction of

looking into the sun

3

: to a position of contact with : against

ran into a wall

4

a

: to the state, condition, or form of

got into trouble

b

: to the occupation, action, or possession of

go into farming

c

: involved with or interested in

into sports

not into her music

5

—used as a function word to indicate a period of time or an extent of space part of which is passed or occupied

far into the night

6

—used as a function word to indicate the dividend in division

dividing 3 into 6 gives 2

Examples of into in a Sentence

She came into the room.

a medicine injected into the bloodstream

Please put the bowl into the sink.

They were heading into town.

He jumped into the pool.

She was just staring into space.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cooking leans into that fire—steaks, roasted vegetables, and even the many tasty cocktails to choose from. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026

Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026

The spokesperson also responded with names and pictures of several men from Los Angeles who have been taken into custody by ICE and convicted of serious crimes. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Perhaps its most important practical edge is its ability to be retrofitted into existing structures. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English intō, from in entry 2 + tō to

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for into

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-tə 

-tü

1

—used to indicate entry, introduction, or inclusion

came into the room

enter into an agreement

2

a

: to the state, condition, or form of

got into trouble

divide into four parts

b

: to the occupation, action, or possession of

go into farming

3

: against sense 4

ran into a wall

4

: involved with or interested in

was never into abstract art