enlist

verb

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

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. See More
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 See More

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlist was in 1599

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.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on enlist

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