ˈɪn 
ən
1
—used to indicate location or position within something
We went for a swim in the lake.
They have a house in the country.
Albuquerque is in New Mexico.
There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
I like to read in bed. [=while sitting or lying on my bed]
He was wounded in the leg.
We had to stand in line for tickets.
Why don't you look it up in the dictionary?
There's something in my eye. [=between my eyelid and my eyeball]
There was fear in their eyes. [=I could tell they were afraid when I looked at their eyes]
I held her in my arms.
He saw his reflection in the mirror.
2
: to the inside of (a room, container, etc.)
She went in [=into] the house.
Don't come in here with those muddy feet!
I threw it in [=into] the garbage.
3
a
—used to indicate that someone or something belongs to or is included as part of something
She used to play in [=as a member of] a band.
There are 12 in a dozen. [=a dozen is equal to 12]
b
—used to indicate the existence of something or someone within a story, movie, etc.
a character in a story
a scene in a movie
He saw it in a dream.
4
a
: during (a period of time, a season, etc.)
It happened in the 1930s.
She likes to travel in [=during] the summer.
Call us sometime in [=during] the morning/afternoon/evening.
They plan to open in September.
We haven't seen them in [=for] ages!
Back in those days, we didn't have computers.
an important moment in history
Never in my life have I heard such a thing!
I lost track of them in [=during] all the commotion/confusion.
b
: at the end of (a period of time)
I'll be there in a minute.
The movie is coming out in a few months.
He got his degree in only three years.
c
—used to indicate an approximate age or number
a woman in her thirties [=a woman who is between 30 and 39 years old]
Our members number in the thousands. [=more than 2,000]
5
a
—used to indicate the method, materials, or form of something
a note written in pencil [=using a pencil]
a note written in French
a symphony in (the key of) C
The book is bound in leather.
They were covered in mud from head to toe.
She gave us 50 dollars in cash.
The measurements are listed in both inches and centimeters.
The shirts come in three sizes.
b
—used to indicate the color of something
I decorated the room in blues and grays. [=using different shades of blue and gray]
6
a
—used to indicate the state or condition of someone or something
We'll be in trouble if we can't get the brakes to work! [=we will experience a situation that is difficult, dangerous, etc.]
She was in and out of trouble for many years.
young people in love [=experiencing romantic love]
Are you in much pain?
I just stood there gaping in amazement.
They're not in any danger.
b
: to a specified state, condition, or form
They were always getting in [=into] trouble.
The vase broke in [=into] pieces.
They divided the money in [=into] thirds.
7
—used to indicate how people or things are arranged
They stood in a circle.
The chairs were placed in a row.
8
—used to indicate the conditions that are around someone or something
I found her sitting in the dark. = I found her sitting in darkness.
Don't just stand there in the rain!
9
: while or as a result of (doing something)
In trying to please everyone, I ended up pleasing no one.
Many mistakes were made in planning the project.
10
—used to indicate the manner or purpose of something
"No way!" she said in reply.
The remark was made in jest.
They sure left in a hurry!
We held a banquet in his honor. [=to honor him]
They went in search of lost treasure. [=to search for lost treasure]
She moved to the city in hopes of finding a better job. [=with the hope that she would find a better job]
They increased the penalties in an attempt to discourage lawbreakers.
11
—used to make a statement or description more limited or specific in meaning
They are slow in their movements. [=their movements are slow]
The two are alike in some ways/respects. [=they have some similarities]
It measures two feet in length. [=it is two feet long]
The idea works in theory, but not in practice.
In a way, it makes sense. [=it makes sense if you consider a particular fact, idea, etc.]
12
—used to indicate the person who is being described
We've lost a valuable employee in Mike.
In her, you have a true friend.
13
—used to indicate the object of a belief, opinion, or feeling
Have a little faith in them!
Do you believe in ghosts? [=do you think ghosts are real?]
I really don't know what she sees in him. [=I don't know why she likes/loves him]
I have no interest in sports. [=sports do not interest me]
14
—used to indicate a job or area of activity
She has a job in marketing.
I hear he's in advertising. [=he has a job that involves advertising]
She's struggling in math.
15
—used to indicate the existence of something as a part of someone's character
He has no pity in him.
I tried to be tough with them, but I just didn't have it in me. [=I wasn't able to be tough with them]
16
: wearing (something) as clothes
He showed up in his best suit.
the boy in the red jacket
a lady in black [=a lady wearing black clothes]
17
—used to describe how common something is by comparing a smaller number to a larger number
This condition affects one in five [=1 in 5; one out of every five] Americans.
1
: to or toward the inside of something (such as a building)
She went in and closed the door.
I lost my keys and now I can't get in.
Please come in!
The burglars broke in through the kitchen window.
The pool is deep. Be careful not to fall in.
Is everyone in [=inside]? Then we can start.
The shot went in. [=into the goal]
2
a
: to or toward a place
They flew in yesterday.
The boss called us in for a conference.
The fog was closing in fast.
The tide is coming in. [=towards shore]
Get your orders in early!
b
: at the place where someone or something arrives after traveling
Is the train in yet?
We expect to get in around noon. [=we expect to arrive around noon]
3
: at or inside a home, office, etc.
The doctor is in. [=the doctor is in his/her office and is available to see patients]
Are your parents in? [=are your parents at home?]
4
: at or to a location that is near to something or that seems near to something
The coach told them to play closer in. [=nearer to the area where the most activity is happening or is expected to happen]
Pull the car further in. [=closer to the curb, house, etc.]
5
a
: in a way that will blend into or join with something
Gradually mix in the flour.
b
: to or at a proper or indicated place
I can't seem to fit this piece in.
Please fill in your name and address on the application.
c
: in a way that will agree or be in harmony
Do you think he'll fit in with the other kids?
6
: in a way that surrounds something or someone or prevents something or someone from leaving
They fenced in the property. = They fenced the property in. [=they put a fence around the property]
After the blizzard we were snowed in for a week. [=we could not leave our home because of the snow]
—sometimes used in combinationa house with a fenced-in yard
7
: in the position of someone who is involved or participating in something
Count me in. [=include me in your plans]
"Does anyone want to go to a movie tonight?" "Sure, I'm in." [=I want to go]
She was in at the beginning/start, when the company began.
8
: in or into a position or job
They voted him in [=they elected him] by an overwhelming margin.
9
: in a friendly relationship with someone
She was in with the city's most powerful people. [=she had friendly relationships with the city's most powerful people]
also
: in a specified sort of relationship
He got in good/bad with the boss. [=he was liked/disliked by the boss]
10
: present or in your possession and available for use
Are all the votes/results in?
11
sports
: inside the area where players or the ball must stay in sports like tennis, basketball, and American football : not out of bounds
Her serve was just barely in.
1
: popular or fashionable
the in thing to do
the in place to go
Tall boots are in [=in style] this year.
2
: aware of and strongly influenced by what is new and fashionable
It's what the in crowd is wearing this season.
plural ins
chiefly US, informal
: a way of becoming involved in something or of influencing someone
When you're trying to get started in show business, it helps to have an in.
They must have an in with the boss.
Cite this Entry
“In.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/in. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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