into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-(ˌ)tü 

-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

In the hit series Severance, Tillman plays a manager at Lumon Industries, where employees have implants that enable them to become one person at work and transform into a totally different person outside of work. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025

Jefferson-Wooden went into these championships as a strong favorite to secure the victory. —Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The 40-year-old was recognized for his captivating turn as Seth Milchick in Apple TV+’s Severance, a role that turned him into one of the show’s breakout stars. —Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2025

Another man who tried a year earlier to crash a jeep filled with knives and bullets into a White House security gate got a 35-month prison sentence. —Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for into

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

into

preposition

in·​to ˈin-tə 

-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