into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce into (audio)
-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.
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'into.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of into was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near into

Cite this Entry

“Into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/into. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

into

preposition
in·​to ˈin-tə How to pronounce into (audio)
-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

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