enlist

1 of 2

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist 

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 

en-, 

-ˈli-stē

noun

enlistment

in-ˈlis(t)-mənt 

en-

noun

enlistee

2 of 2

noun

en·​list·​ee ə̇nˌliˈstē 

en-;

¦enˌli¦stē

plural -s

1

: a person who enlists especially for military or naval service

2

: a member of the enlisted ranks of a military or naval force

Synonyms of enlist

Verb

• join
• enroll (in)
• enter
• rejoin
• sign up (for)

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Mackie debuted his signature style of lavish gowns, astonishing headpieces and dance-friendly designs in 1966 when he was enlisted by Gaynor to design the energetic singer-dancer’s costumes for her Las Vegas revue and subsequent television specials. — Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Jasmine Hernandez enlisted in the Army in part out of gratitude for the life her parents had worked to build for her. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Jeff enlists his nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), and his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly), to help confirm his suspicions. — David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026

Sally and Gillian follow her, and enlist a magic historian (Lee Pace) to help them. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing enlist

• re-enlist

Rhymes for enlist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

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

enlistment

-ˈlis(t)-mənt 

noun