enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
enlisted; enlisting; enlists
Synonyms of enlistnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to secure the support and aid of : employ in advancing an interest
enlist all the available resources
enlisted our help
b
: to win over : attract
trying to enlist my sympathies
2
: to engage (a person) for duty in the armed forces

intransitive verb

1
: to enroll oneself in the armed forces
will enlist for three years
2
: to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)
enlistee
in-ˌli-ˈstē How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
-ˈli-stē
noun
enlistment noun

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

They're enlisting volunteers for an experiment. We enlisted all available resources. I enlisted the help of our neighbors. We enlisted the services of a professional. They enlisted several new recruits. After graduating, I enlisted in the navy. He enlisted in the cause of world peace.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And indeed, the company, which enlisted New York’s Rockwell Group to spearhead the design, found a wealth of like-minded local collaborators ideal for realizing its vision. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026 The plan involved discovering a long lost princess, hopping on a plane to London, breaking into a museum store room, and enlisting the help of a very pathetic historian. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 At the end of her contract, Ultimo did not re-sign with Lancaster and instead enlisted Stewart's ex-wife, Rachel Hunter. Effie Orfanides, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026 Felix enlisted as a nuclear electrician’s mate before earning his commission in 1978. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlist

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlist was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

enlist

verb
en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
1
a
: to enroll for military or naval service
especially : to join one of the armed services voluntarily
b
: to participate heartily (as in a cause or drive)
2
: to obtain the help or support of
enlisted their friends in the campaign
enlistment noun

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