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)
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
Abel enlisted in the Navy in 2020 and served as a petty officer in California, but was later accused of and pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers in 2024 where he was stationed.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
His presence at Edgar’s now is a little random; apparently Edgar is keen on enlisting young supes like the Gen V squad, perhaps to have people on his side once this is all over.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
The State Department enlisted him as a Cold War jazz ambassador.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
But many of them have enlisted the help from the CSBA.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlist
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Irene Wright, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
His presence at Edgar’s now is a little random; apparently Edgar is keen on enlisting young supes like the Gen V squad, perhaps to have people on his side once this is all over.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
The State Department enlisted him as a Cold War jazz ambassador.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
But many of them have enlisted the help from the CSBA.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlist
Cite this Entry
“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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