First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1in
preposition \ˈin, ən, ən\
—used to indicate location or position within something
: to the inside of (a room, container, etc.)
—used to indicate that someone or something belongs to or is included as part of something
Full Definition of IN
1
a —used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits <in the lake> <wounded in the leg> <in the summer> b : into 1 <went in the house>
2
—used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality <written in pencil> <bound in leather>
3
a —used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance <alike in some respects> <left in a hurry> b : into 2a <broke in pieces>
4
—used as a function word to indicate purpose <said in reply>
5
—used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio <one in six is eligible>
See in defined for English-language learners
See in defined for kids
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Origin of IN
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German in in, Latin in, Greek en
2in
adverb \ˈin\
: to or toward the inside of something (such as a building)
: to or toward a place
: at the place where someone or something arrives after traveling
Full Definition of IN
1
a (1) : to or toward the inside especially of a house or other building <come in> (2) : to or toward some destination or particular place <flew in on the first plane> (3) : at close quarters : near <play close in> b : so as to incorporate <mix in the flour> —often used in combination <built-in bookcases> c : to or at an appropriate place <fit a piece in>
2
a : within a particular place; especially : within the customary place of residence or business <the doctor is in> b : in the position of participant, insider, or officeholder —often used with on <in on the joke> c (1) : on good terms (2) : in a specified relation <in bad with the boss> (3) : in a position of assured or definitive success d : in vogue or season e of an oil well : in production f : in one's presence, possession, or control <after the crops are in> g : from a condition of indistinguishability to one of clarity <fade in>
— in for
: certain to experience <in for a rude awakening>
See in defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IN
before 12th century
3in
adjective \ˈin\
: popular or fashionable
: aware of and strongly influenced by what is new and fashionable
Full Definition of IN
1
a : that is located inside or within <the in part> b : that is in position, operation, or power <the in party> c : inside 2
2
: that is directed or bound inward : incoming <the in train>
3
a : extremely fashionable <the in thing to do> b : keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable <the in crowd>
See in defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IN
1599
Related to IN
4in
noun \ˈin\
: a way of becoming involved in something or of influencing someone
Full Definition of IN
1
: one who is in office or power or on the inside <a matter of ins versus outs>
See in defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IN
1764
5in
abbreviation
Definition of IN
1
inch
2
inlet
In
symbol
Definition of IN
indium
IN
abbreviation
IN Defined for Kids
1in
preposition \ˈin, ən\
Definition of IN for Kids
1
: located or positioned within <The house is in the country.>
2
: into 1 <We ran in the house.>
3
: during <It's warmer in the summer.>
4
: with 2 <I wrote in pencil.>
5
—used to show a state or condition <You're in luck!> <We're in trouble.>
6
—used to show manner or purpose <I'm in a hurry.> <He laughed in reply.>
7
: into 2 <It broke in pieces.>
2in
adverb \ˈin\
Definition of IN for Kids
1
: to or toward the inside <I went in and closed the door.>
2
: to or toward some particular place <We flew in yesterday.>
3
: 1near 1 <Play close in.>
4
: into the midst of something <Mix in the flour.>
5
: to or at its proper place <Can you fit this piece in?>
6
: on the inner side : within <Everyone is in.>
7
: present and available for use <All the votes are in.>
— in for
: sure to experience <He was in for a surprise.>
3in
adjective \ˈin\
Definition of IN for Kids
1
: being inside or within <the in part>
2
: headed or bound inward <the in train>
3
IN
abbreviation
Definition of IN for Kids
Indiana
Medical Dictionary
in
abbreviation
Medical Definition of IN
inch
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