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

Find your favorite genre: Three new memoirs tell stories of struggle and resilience, while five recent historical novels offer a window into other times. —Steven Petrow, Washington Post, 19 July 2024

The book was adapted into a Netflix movie released in 2020. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

Instead of blasting a flood light into everyone’s faces, use these string light poles and hang your lighting above your head for the perfect ambiance. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024

Chappell Roan breaks into the U.K. top 5 with The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess, while Eminem’s Curtain Call: The Hits rises two places to No. 7 following the release of his new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 July 2024

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

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