enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
enlisted; enlisting; enlists

transitive verb

1
a
: to secure the support and aid of : employ in advancing an interest
enlist all the available resources
enlisted our help
b
: to win over : attract
trying to enlist my sympathies
2
: to engage (a person) for duty in the armed forces

intransitive verb

1
: to enroll oneself in the armed forces
will enlist for three years
2
: to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)
enlistee
in-ˌli-ˈstē How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
-ˈli-stē
noun
enlistment noun

Examples of enlist in a Sentence

They're enlisting volunteers for an experiment. We enlisted all available resources. I enlisted the help of our neighbors. We enlisted the services of a professional. They enlisted several new recruits. After graduating, I enlisted in the navy. He enlisted in the cause of world peace.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Pitino enlisted his full court pressure, taking advantage of the size and athleticism across the St. John’s roster, which came into the game with KenPom’s fourth-most efficient defense. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025 Tommy enlisted in August 2020, went through the Army Airborne School and then the qualification course for special forces. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 Since then, the format expanded worldwide from Tokyo to Dubai, from Cannes to New York, with each restaurant enlisting key chefs such as Francesco Mascheroni in Milan, Massimo Tringali in Paris, Giovanni Papi in Dubai and Bruno Hiruma in Tokyo, to name a few. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025 Frank’s Red Hot has enlisted Paris Hilton and Dunkin’ has convinced Ben Affleck to return for a second year. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enlist 

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlist was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near enlist

Cite this Entry

“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

enlist

verb
en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
1
a
: to enroll for military or naval service
especially : to join one of the armed services voluntarily
b
: to participate heartily (as in a cause or drive)
2
: to obtain the help or support of
enlisted their friends in the campaign
enlistment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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