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)
Synonyms
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
After giving birth to her first daughter as a high school senior, Rosado lost her track scholarship and enlisted in the Army without telling her family.
—
Jolene Latimer, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023
Per his obituary, Haviland was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, then enlisted with the National Guard and worked at a manufacturing plant as a machine operator.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 19 Sep. 2023
Camp Lejeune enlisted an outside lab to test the drinking water system in 1982 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was expected to issue new regulations.
—Anna Schecter, NBC News, 18 Sep. 2023
Jin was first to enlist, followed by J-Hope and now Suga.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2023
Saturday’s drive-thru training is part of a broader effort among providers, health officials and nonprofit organizations to enlist the help of everyday Alaskans in combating a yearslong opioid epidemic with far-reaching impacts.
—Annie Berman, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Sep. 2023
Instead, the government had to enlist a private lawyer, Ilan Bombach, to lead its defense.
—Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2023
Maidza also enlisted guest vocalists Lolo Zouaï, Amber Mark, and Duckwrth for Sweet Justice, as well as producers Stint and Kaytranada.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2023
Hundreds of immigrants enlist in U.S. service branches each year.
—Erika I. Ritchie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2023
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Jolene Latimer, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023
Per his obituary, Haviland was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, then enlisted with the National Guard and worked at a manufacturing plant as a machine operator.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 19 Sep. 2023
Camp Lejeune enlisted an outside lab to test the drinking water system in 1982 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was expected to issue new regulations.
—Anna Schecter, NBC News, 18 Sep. 2023
Jin was first to enlist, followed by J-Hope and now Suga.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2023
Saturday’s drive-thru training is part of a broader effort among providers, health officials and nonprofit organizations to enlist the help of everyday Alaskans in combating a yearslong opioid epidemic with far-reaching impacts.
—Annie Berman, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Sep. 2023
Instead, the government had to enlist a private lawyer, Ilan Bombach, to lead its defense.
—Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2023
Maidza also enlisted guest vocalists Lolo Zouaï, Amber Mark, and Duckwrth for Sweet Justice, as well as producers Stint and Kaytranada.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2023
Hundreds of immigrants enlist in U.S. service branches each year.
—Erika I. Ritchie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enlist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing enlist
Dictionary Entries Near enlist
Cite this Entry
“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on enlist
Nglish: Translation of enlist for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of enlist for Arabic Speakers
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