ingress

American  

[in-gres] / ˈɪn grɛs /

noun

1. the act of going in or entering.

2. the right to enter.

3. a means or place of entering; entryway.

4. Astronomy. immersion.

---

ingress British  

/ ɪnˈɡrɛʃən, ˈɪŋɡrɛs /

noun

1. the act of going or coming in; an entering

2. a way in; entrance

3. the right or permission to enter

4. astronomy another name for immersion

---

Other Word Forms

• ingression noun

Etymology

Origin of ingress

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin ingressus a going in, commencing, equivalent to ingred-, stem of ingredī to go or step into, commence ( in- ², gradient ) + -tus suffix of v. action, with -dt- > -ss-

Explanation

The act of entering something — like a building or a highway — is called ingress (antonym "egress"). If you work in a busy restaurant, you have to keep your kitchen ingress and egress straight or you risk a catastrophe with a full tray of dishes. In astronomy, ingress is also an act of entering, but it is at the beginning of an eclipse when the celestial body first begins to block the sun and cast a shadow. So in a lunar eclipse, ingress is when the Earth begins to pass between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. In a solar eclipse, ingress is when the Moon begins to pass across the face of the Sun, blocking it from the sight of observers on Earth.

Example Sentences

“We feel very confident that it’ll be a different version of the success we had in ‘84 in terms of ingress and egress and access and experience when it comes to transportation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

Checkpoints currently block public access at major ingress points to the community.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

"These are all gaps where water can ingress," Robin adds.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2024

It has a lifespan of about 30 years and concerns have mounted about the impact of water ingress on its safety.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2024

The landing gear, ingress ramp, and fuel plant are still here.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir