include
Americanverb (used with object)
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to contain, as a whole does parts or any part or element.
The so-called “complete breakfast” in this ad included juice, milk, cereal, toast, eggs, and bacon.
The anniversary edition of the game will include the expansion packs and DLC.
- Synonyms:
- embody
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to place in an aggregate, class, category, or the like: Hawks and eagles are included in the family “Accipitridae.”
Please include me in any future discussions.
Hawks and eagles are included in the family “Accipitridae.”
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to contain as a subordinate element; involve as a factor: Schooling should include friendship, fun, and laughter, in addition to rigorous study.
Our comprehensive approach to health includes such aspects as resilience, resources, and quality of life.
Schooling should include friendship, fun, and laughter, in addition to rigorous study.
verb
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to have as contents or part of the contents; be made up of or contain
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to add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category
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to contain as a secondary or minor ingredient or element
Synonym Usage
Include, comprehend, comprise, embrace imply containing parts of a whole. To include is to contain as a part or member, or among the parts and members, of a whole: The list includes many new names. To comprehend is to have within the limits, scope, or range of references, as either a part or the whole number of items concerned: The plan comprehends several projects. To comprise is to consist of, as the various parts serving to make up the whole: This genus comprises 50 species. Embrace emphasizes the extent or assortment of that which is included: The report embraces a great variety of subjects.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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unincludibleadjective
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reincludeverb (used with object)
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includableadjective
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includibleadjective
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unincludableadjective
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preincludeverb (used with object)
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has includedperfect 3rd person singular
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have includedperfect
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has been includingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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are includingprogressive
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is includingprogressive 3rd person singular
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have been includingperfect progressive
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includingparticiple
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includessingular 3rd person
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am includingprogressive 1st person singular
Past
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had includedperfect
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includedparticiple
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were includingprogressive plural
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had been includingperfect progressive
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was includingprogressive singular
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includedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of include
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin inclūdere “to shut in,” equivalent to in- in- 2 + -clūdere, combining form of claudere “to shut”; cf. close
Explanation
The verb include means to consider as a part of something. A list of your favorite things may include chocolate and friends. The verb include also means adding something (or someone) to a category or group. Once you try bungee jumping, you might want to include, or add, that to your list of favorite things. You may be forced to include your little sister in your party if your parents insist.
Vocabulary lists containing include
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These understandings include attempts to reconcile general relativity with quantum theory — a challenge explored both in philosophy and popular science discussions.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
Protected characteristics include age, disability, race, pregnancy, sex and sexual orientation.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
Recent audits show Section 702 database queries have a 98.6% compliance rate, and the exceptions include typos and small errors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
The band, expanded to include touring keyboardist Loren Gold, seemed exhilarated, if a little stiff at times, a first-night quibble that will surely self-correct.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
The Common Core Standards, however, are only written for English Language Arts and Mathematics, with no further intent to include other subject areas.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
