enlisted; enlisting; enlists
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
1
: to enroll oneself in the armed forces
will enlist for three years
2
: to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)
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
From his early garage rock success to his many contributions to albums or tours by music royalty — Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper and Peter Frampton all enlisted him — Mr. Derringer introduced himself to audiences across several generations.
—
Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Born on the Fourth of July (1989) In Oliver Stone's harrowing war drama, Cruise plays Ron Kovic, a real-life Marine veteran who, in his autobiography Born on the Fourth of July, documented his worldview's radical shift after enlisting in the Vietnam War and becoming paralyzed on the battlefield.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Research told Braden that 41% of NASCAR’s fan base is female, and 31% of all NASCAR fans have some connection to the military (veteran, currently enlisted or works adjacent to the military).
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlist
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Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Born on the Fourth of July (1989) In Oliver Stone's harrowing war drama, Cruise plays Ron Kovic, a real-life Marine veteran who, in his autobiography Born on the Fourth of July, documented his worldview's radical shift after enlisting in the Vietnam War and becoming paralyzed on the battlefield.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Research told Braden that 41% of NASCAR’s fan base is female, and 31% of all NASCAR fans have some connection to the military (veteran, currently enlisted or works adjacent to the military).
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlist
Cite this Entry
“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
enlist
verb
en·list
in-ˈlist 
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
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