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

In addition to documenting the tense day-to-day operations of a major hospital, the show also dives into the personal lives of the city’s medical heroes. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Stock futures plunged and after-hours trading descended into turmoil as Trump pledged steep tariffs on some of the U.S.'s top trading partners. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025

Following a postponement, these tariffs are expected to come into effect around the middle of April. —Lim Hui Jie,sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025

Folks were separated into tribes, with the winners getting a feast and then a chance to compete in a second competition for immunity. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Apr. 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

Rhymes for into

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

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