buy into

phrase

: to purchase a portion of or interest in

the TV network bought into its local football team

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of buy into was in 1746

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

buying power

buy into

buy it

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Buy into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buy%20into. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambit

Listen to the pronunciation of gambit

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?