include

American  

[in-klood] / ɪnˈklud /

verb (used with object)

included, including

1. 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

   Antonyms:

   omit, exclude

2. 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.”

3. 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.

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include British  

/ ɪnˈkluːd /

verb

1. to have as contents or part of the contents; be made up of or contain

2. to add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category

3. to contain as a secondary or minor ingredient or element

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Related Words

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

• includable adjective
• includible adjective
• preinclude verb (used with object)
• reinclude verb (used with object)
• unincludable adjective
• unincludible adjective

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.

Example Sentences

The totals provided by Meta include money spent by local branches and candidates, but only if they have spent more than £100 across the month.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The second group of beneficiaries include countries in the Middle East like the U.A.E.,

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Other options include a “J-incision aortic valve replacement” that he developed involving an incision of about 3 inches in the breastbone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Possible factors include increased predation from vertebrates or physical limitations of the insect exoskeleton.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

“We only could include the animal if we saw it with our own eyes. So it’s not really a complete guide to Cape Ann.”

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• add
• build
• carry
• combine
• comprise
• consist of
• cover
• encompass
• enter
• have
• hold
• incorporate
• introduce
• receive