enlist

American  

[en-list] / ɛnˈlɪst /

verb (used without object)

1. to enroll, usually voluntarily, for military service.

   He decided to enlist in the Marines.

2. to enter into some cause, enterprise, etc.

   Synonyms:

   join, volunteer

---

verb (used with object)

1. to engage for military service.

   to enlist men for the army.

2. to secure (a person, services, etc.) for some cause, enterprise, etc..

   They enlisted us to serve as ushers at the meeting.

enlist British  

/ ɪnˈlɪst /

verb

1. to enter or persuade to enter into an engagement to serve in the armed forces

2. (tr) to engage or secure (a person, his services, or his support) for a venture, cause, etc

3. to enter into or join an enterprise, cause, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• enlister noun
• enlistment noun
• preenlist verb
• unenlisted adjective

Etymology

Origin of enlist

First recorded in 1690–1700; en- ¹ + list ¹

Example Sentences

Tolkan landed a scholarship to the college, but his academic career was short-lived, and he left to enlist in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

But don’t stop there: Nonprofits such as the Village to Village Network and Village Without Walls enlist volunteers to help seniors.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“This is such a girlhood experience,” said Littleton, who plans to enlist in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

However, it said that Russian law allowed foreign nationals who are legally in the country to voluntarily enlist in the armed forces.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

“This party. Yes. It will be the perfect setting for me to speak candidly with the ambassador and enlist his help. When and where is it?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• admit
• appoint
• assign
• attract
• call up
• conscript
• employ
• engage
• enroll
• enter
• gather
• hire
• join
• mobilize
• recruit
• serve
• volunteer