into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce into (audio)
-tə
1
used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion
came into the house
enter into an alliance
2
: in the direction of
looking into the sun
3
: to a position of contact with : against
ran into a wall
4
a
: to the state, condition, or form of
got into trouble
b
: to the occupation, action, or possession of
go into farming
c
: involved with or interested in
into sports
not into her music
5
used as a function word to indicate a period of time or an extent of space part of which is passed or occupied
far into the night
6
used as a function word to indicate the dividend in division
dividing 3 into 6 gives 2

Examples of into in a Sentence

She came into the room. a medicine injected into the bloodstream Please put the bowl into the sink. They were heading into town. He jumped into the pool. She was just staring into space.
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.
On TV, the challenges are kinetic and exciting, flashy spectacles where people hurl their bodies off massive obstacle courses into the churning ocean below. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 The series has since developed into more of an all-round wellness tool, with hardware that incorporates ECG readings and irregular heart rate notifications. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 While naval and other defense officials stopped short of saying the carrier strike group was headed to the Middle East, its current heading and location in the Indian Ocean means its only days away from moving into the region. Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 Once your mind is clear, use poetic artistry to craft your message into something aesthetically beautiful. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for into

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English intō, from in entry 2 + to

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of into was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/into. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

into

preposition
in·​to ˈin-tə How to pronounce into (audio)
-tü
1
used to indicate entry, introduction, or inclusion
came into the room
enter into an agreement
2
a
: to the state, condition, or form of
got into trouble
divide into four parts
b
: to the occupation, action, or possession of
go into farming
3
: against sense 4
ran into a wall
4
: involved with or interested in
was never into abstract art

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