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.
The pair enlist Samantha Parker (Sinclair Daniel) to act as Alexander’s handler, documenting and anticipating his every mood. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025 Nick's daughter, Holly (Candace Cameron Bure), comes to his aid by enlisting her father's employee and craftsman, Peter Lowdell (Christopher Wiehl), to help save Nick's declining business. Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 Netflix has also enlisted Snoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, and the singing stars behind KPop Demon Hunters’ Huntr/x — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — to perform during halftime of the second game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2025 Using an Uber-like app, Last Mile enlists more than 850 volunteers to pick up food that would otherwise end up in dumpster and deliver it to local nonprofits that serve families in need. Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2025 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 29 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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