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

Local police launched an investigation into the restaurant after food inspectors tipped off authorities, BBC reported, citing criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024

The big picture: More media companies are leaning into professional services and content to build a more reliable business. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Lohan seems to be settling into a kind of holiday ambassador role at Netflix, having just starred in the St. Patrick's Day rom-com Irish Wish for the streamer back in March. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Mercury will also slip into Sagittarius the following day, sparking curiosity and wonder in your second house of money and values. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Oct. 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