enlisted; enlisting; enlists
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
1
: to enroll oneself in the armed forces
will enlist for three years
2
: to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)
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
The Chief enlists the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw).
—
Caroline Blair, People.com, 20 June 2025
Follow these final takeaways to enlist the power of the pen in getting your message delivered to the right audience:
Respect Journalistic Expertise
The strongest media relationships recognize journalists operate under tight deadlines, editorial standards, and professional judgment.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Wilcox not only met Yoro personally at an early stage of United’s pursuit but also enlisted Rio Ferdinand, a former team-mate of his at Leeds United, to help persuade the in-demand teenager to follow in his defensive footsteps at Old Trafford.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Throughout the series’ eight episodes — from Shondaland and former Scandal writer-producer Paul William Davies — Aduba stars as a consulting detective enlisted to help solve the murder of White House chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) during a White House state dinner.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlist
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Caroline Blair, People.com, 20 June 2025
Follow these final takeaways to enlist the power of the pen in getting your message delivered to the right audience:
Respect Journalistic Expertise
The strongest media relationships recognize journalists operate under tight deadlines, editorial standards, and professional judgment.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Wilcox not only met Yoro personally at an early stage of United’s pursuit but also enlisted Rio Ferdinand, a former team-mate of his at Leeds United, to help persuade the in-demand teenager to follow in his defensive footsteps at Old Trafford.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Throughout the series’ eight episodes — from Shondaland and former Scandal writer-producer Paul William Davies — Aduba stars as a consulting detective enlisted to help solve the murder of White House chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) during a White House state dinner.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlist
Cite this Entry
“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
enlist
verb
en·list
in-ˈlist 
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
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