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 instead of an 82-year-old Harrison Ford reprising his role yet again, if in just voice and motion capture, Bethesda Studios and MachineGames enlisted another kind of A-lister: legendary video game actor Troy Baker. Ryan Benk, NPR, 15 Dec. 2024 Others enlist the help of a ghostwriter to transform their experience into a book. John Hall, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Last month, the Jets enlisted The 33rd Team — a football analysis company founded by former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum in 2019 — to aid in their search for a new GM and head coach. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024 At the time of his disappearance, Miller had enlisted in the U.S. Army to lead the Army Air Forces Band in Europe during World War II and was flying to France to play a show there for American troops. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2024 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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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