Definition of in
1a —used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits in the lake wounded in the leg in the summerb : into 1 went in the house
2 —used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality written in pencil bound in leather
3a —used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance alike in some respects left in a hurryb : into 2a broke in pieces
4 —used as a function word to indicate purpose said in reply
5 —used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio one in six is eligible
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Examples of in in a Sentence
Don't come in here with those muddy feet!
drawn on the wall in crayon
Origin and Etymology of in
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German in in, Latin in, Greek en
Definition of in
1a (1) : to or toward the inside especially of a house or other building come in (2) : to or toward some destination or particular place flew in on the first plane (3) : at close quarters : near play close inb : so as to incorporate mix in the flour —often used in combination built-in bookcasesc : to or at an appropriate place fit a piece in
2a : within a particular place; especially : within the customary place of residence or business the doctor is inb : in the position of participant, insider, or officeholder —often used with on in on the jokec (1) : on good terms (2) : in a specified relation in bad with the boss (3) : in a position of assured or definitive successd : in vogue or seasone of an oil well : in productionf : in one's presence, possession, or control after the crops are ing : from a condition of indistinguishability to one of clarity fade in
in for
: certain to experience in for a rude awakening
Examples of in in a Sentence
She went in and closed the door.
I lost my keys and now I can't get in.
The burglars broke in through the kitchen window.
The pool is deep. Be careful not to fall in.
The boss called us in for a conference.
The fog was closing in fast.
Get your orders in early!
Is the train in yet?
First Known Use of in
before 12th century
Definition of in
1a : that is located inside or within the in partb : that is in position, operation, or power the in partyc : inside 2
2 : that is directed or bound inward : incoming the in train
3a : extremely fashionable the in thing to dob : keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable the in crowd
Examples of in in a Sentence
the in thing to do
the in place to go
It's what the in crowd is wearing this season.
First Known Use of in
1599
Definition of in
Examples of in in a Sentence
When you're trying to get started in show business, it helps to have an in.
They must have an in with the boss.
Recent Examples of in from the Web
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Top photo: Michel Temer (C) greets with senator Aecio Neves following his swear-in ceremony as President of Brazil in Brasilia, Brazil, Aug. 31, 2016.
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Using gene editing to create rodents that are ideal research models could narrow the genetic divide between humans and their animal stand-ins.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'in.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of in
1764
in
Definition of in
1 inch
2 inlet
In
Definition of In
indium
Origin and Etymology of in-
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin; akin to Old English un-
in-
il-
orim-
orir-
Definition of in-
1 : in : within : into : toward : on —usually il- before l illuviation, im- before b, m, or p immingle, ir- before r irradiance, and in- before other sounds infiltrate
2 : 1en- imbrute imperil inspirit
Origin and Etymology of in-
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from in in, into
-in
Definition of -in
1a : neutral chemical compound insulinb : enzyme pancreatinc : antibiotic penicillin
2 : 2-ine 1a, b epinephrin
3 : pharmaceutical product niacin
Origin and Etymology of -in
French -ine, from Latin -īna, feminine of -īnus of or belonging to — more at -en
-in
Definition of -in
: organized public protest by means of or in favor of : demonstration teach-in love-in
Origin and Etymology of -in
sit-in
IN Defined for English Language Learners
in
playDefinition of in for English Language Learners
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—used to indicate location or position within something
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: to the inside of (a room, container, etc.)
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—used to indicate that someone or something belongs to or is included as part of something
in
playDefinition of in for English Language Learners
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: to or toward the inside of something (such as a building)
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: to or toward a place
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: at the place where someone or something arrives after traveling
in
playDefinition of in for English Language Learners
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: popular or fashionable
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: aware of and strongly influenced by what is new and fashionable
in
playDefinition of in for English Language Learners
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: a way of becoming involved in something or of influencing someone
IN Defined for Kids
Definition of in for Students
1 : located or positioned within The house is in the country.
2 : into 1 We ran in the house.
3 : during It's warmer in the summer.
4 : with 2 I wrote in pencil.
5 —used to show a state or condition You're in luck! We're in trouble.
6 —used to show manner or purpose I'm in a hurry. He laughed in reply.
7 : into 2 It broke in pieces.
Definition of in for Students
1 : to or toward the inside I went in and closed the door.
2 : to or toward some particular place We flew in yesterday.
3 : 1near 1 Play close in.
4 : into the midst of something Mix in the flour.
5 : to or at its proper place Can you fit this piece in?
6 : on the inner side : within Everyone is in.
7 : present and available for use All the votes are in.
in for
: sure to experience He was in for a surprise.
Definition of in for Students
1 : being inside or within the in part
2 : headed or bound inward the in train
3 : fashionable
IN
Definition of IN for Students
Indiana
in-
il-
orim-
orir-
Definition of in- for Students
1 : in : within : into : toward : on —usually il- before l illuminate, im- before b, m, or p import, ir- before r irradiate, and in- before other sounds infect
2 : en- 2 imperil
Medical Dictionary
in
Medical Definition of in
inch
In
Medical Definition of In
indium
Law Dictionary
in
Legal Definition of in
: under the law of : based on brought an action in negligence — National Law Journal
Learn More about in
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See words that rhyme with in Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for in Spanish Central: Translation of in Nglish: Translation of in for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of in for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about in
Seen and Heard
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