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

The 31-year-old played nine games for Baltimore this season then moved into an Airbnb in Venice with one bag and four outfits. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

The book also explores the pressures of beauty standards, the complexities of womanhood, and the emotional toll of living in a society that often forces women to fit into a narrow, unrealistic mold. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Enter the Elvie Rise, a bouncer that can transform into a bassinet without moving the baby. —Chandra Steele, PCMAG, 8 Jan. 2025

By turning Doomguy into a knight wielding a gigantic, spiked shield a huge sword primed for brutal melee takedowns. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 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

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