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

Additionally, Trump plans to end the CBP One app, a Biden-era program that allowed nearly 1 million migrants legal entry into the U.S. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

And its provisions are likely to run into thorny legal issues given that state and regional authorities typically oversee power plant planning and permitting. —Daniel Moore, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025

The order comes as Trump has issued a number of threats against his political opponents, sparking fear Trump Department of Justice officials could abuse the power of the office to initiate investigations or prosecutions into his adversaries. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025

Existing rules issued by the Biden administration in June already disqualify most migrants who cross into the U.S. illegally from asylum. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025

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