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

On a damp and chilly day in mid-November, Ryan Hall pokes his nose into Sanders’ office to say hello. —Maurice Tamman, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024

Witcher became angry and forced the girl to run on a treadmill before getting into the bathtub, police said. —Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Dec. 2024

As parents rush into malls for the final days of Christmas shopping, many will be armed with wishlists full of beauty products for their children. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Friends also share their memories of Rubi at the funeral A family friend shared three thoughts about Vergara — her beautiful gift for music, her ability to bring beautiful artwork into their lives with personal birthday cards and origami animals, and her empathy. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024

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