Definition of enter
1 : to go or come in
2 : to come or gain admission into a group : join —often used with into
3a : to make a beginning <entering upon a career>b : to begin to consider a subject —usually used with into or upon
4 : to go upon land for the purpose of taking possession
5a : to come onstage —usually used in the subjunctive as a stage direction <enter Hamlet reading>b : to come into a preestablished situation or context like an actor coming onstage —usually used in the subjunctive <enter the new principal with her radical ideas>
6 : to play a part : be a factor <other considerations enter when money is involved>
1 : to come or go into <enter a room>
enterableplay \ˈen-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
enter the lists
Examples of enter in a sentence
Knock on the door before you enter the room.
The medication will quickly enter the blood stream.
The river enters the sea near here.
Our son will be entering college next year.
enter a child in kindergarten
The new battleship is scheduled to enter service next spring.
an actor who's just now entering his prime
The strike has now entered its second week.
We've entered a new phase in our relationship.
The country is entering a period of prosperity.
Origin and Etymology of enter
Middle English entren, from Anglo-French entrer, from Latin intrare, from intra within; akin to Latin inter between — more at inter-
First Known Use: 13th century
Synonym Discussion of enter
Definition of enter-
: intestine <enteritis>
Variants of enter-
Origin and Etymology of enter-
Greek, from enteron — more at inter-
ENTER Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of enter for English Language Learners
: to go or come into (something)
: to begin to be in (an organization, school, etc.)
: to cause (someone) to be in an organization, school, etc.
ENTER Defined for Kids
Definition of enter for Students
1 : to come or go in or into <enter a room> <enter middle age>
2 : to stab into : pierce <The thorn entered my thumb.>
3 : to put into a list or book : write down <The teacher entered my name on the roster.>
4 : to put in or into <Enter the data into the computer.>
5 : to become a member of <I entered a fitness club.>
6 : to become a participant in or take an interest in <enter a race> <enter politics>
7 : enroll in : begin attending <enter kindergarten>
Legal Definition of enter
: to go or come in; specifically : to go upon real property by right of entry especially to take possession <lessor shall have the right to enter and take possession> —often used in deeds and leases
3 : to put in correct form before a court or on a record <entered judgment against the defendant> <entering a plea> — compare render
4 : to go upon (real property) by right of entry especially to take possession <if the lessee defaults, the lessor may enter the premises> — compare distrain
: to make oneself a party to or in <no State shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation — U.S. Constitution art. I>
Seen and Heard
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