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 outcome vindicated Apple management’s decision to stand behind its diversity commitment even though Trump asked the U.S. Department of Justice to look into whether these types of programs have discriminated against some employees whose race or gender aren’t aligned with the initiative’s goals. —Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Jury selection was set to begin Monday for the trial of an Illinois man accused of opening fire at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago in 2022, turning the patriotic festivities into a chaotic bloodbath that left seven people dead and dozens more wounded. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

Fussell was joined by his new productions boss Zai Bennett at yesterday’s BBC Studios Showcase and the pair gave Deadline an insight into short, medium and long-term thinking. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025

David and Bob Gersh will stay engaged at the agency, continue to rep their clients, stay on the board of directors and will plot moves as the company branches out further into sports representation. —Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 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