enlist

verb

en·​list in-ˈlist How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
enlisted; enlisting; enlists
Synonyms of enlistnext

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
in-ˈlis(t)-mənt How to pronounce enlist (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of enlist

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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.
Yarovenko had planned to enlist after completing her fourth year at university, said her friend Anastasiia Alieksieieva. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 In some cases, the monologue will do the trick; in others, Dokoupil may enlist a topic expert to help figure things out. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 Kazin, 78, a De La Salle and Loyola University grad, enlisted in the Army in 1971 and worked as a legal clerk in Missouri. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Graduates of the Cadet Corps have no obligation to enlist in the California State Guard. — Amy Johnson, CBS News, 31 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing enlist

Rhymes for enlist

See All Rhymes for enlist

Browse Nearby Words

enlink
enlist
enlisted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlist. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˈlis(t)-mənt How to pronounce enlist (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlist

Nglish: Translation of enlist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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