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

Some questions may turn into Meghan’s column for The Post. Stuck on what to ask? —Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2024

Sanusi, who came to Boise State this year from the NFL Academy in England, pressured Nelson into inaccurate throws on back-to-back plays in the red zone in the second half. —Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2024

The 29-year-old driver of the car was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for life-threatening injuries, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. —Journal Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024

The woman, whose identity has not been confirmed, was taken into custody for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, the release said, adding that she is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

The weaknesses remained weaknesses (Jack Dempsey / Associated Press) Going into the game, the Lakers were focused on two specific areas: defensive rebounding and transition defense. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024

The information provided for answers 1 and 2 is identical, except for the employer's matching funds in the 401(k) program that go into Latisha's account to help boost her balance. —The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2024

The book goes into some depth on the need for masts as a motivating factor for the British in their efforts to hold on to their American colonies. —Eugene Linden, TIME, 21 Apr. 2024

An Ohio man who overran police lines and became one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol will be set free six months into a 19-month term. —Spencer S. Hsu, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 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