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.
The brothers Stone enlisted bass guitar wonder Larry Graham, who’d been playing in a local jazz duo with his mother. Rob Tannenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Morello enlisted the team at Embarc Design to execute the transformation. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 June 2025 The band enlisted the great Mike Mills to direct, with Saoirse Ronan starring as an office worker who dances, squirms, shudders, and screams through her daily routine. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 June 2025 Marshall enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Lane Tech High School in Chicago, serving from October 1943 until June 1946. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!