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.
Recent Examples on the Web In the mid-1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson enlisted her to expand her teaching methods nationwide. Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024 Erik, a young man in his mid-20s, enlists in the war to defend Talish and consequently loses one of his legs. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 While recording Death Jokes, McMahon enlisted bassist Sam Wilkes, as well as producers Christoffer Berg, Kwake Bass, Panoram, and Money Mark. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2024 Next year, the ninth Outlaw Country Cruise will enlist Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle for the first voyage since the cruise’s de facto emcee, Mojo Nixon, died earlier this year. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 In 2006, Cher enlisted Julien’s, which had a half-dozen employees, to run a sale. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 The family also enlisted help from their 16-year-old daughter, who rode on Kevin’s back to deter him from trying to escape during the mile-long trip. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024 Kristina — her middle name — enlisted in part to honor her family. ProPublica, 16 Mar. 2024 Instead of enlisting in a branch of the country’s military, Suga will instead spend the next 21 months working as a social service agent. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2024

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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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