I. ˈin, ən, ə n preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German in in, Latin in, Greek en
Date: before 12th century
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
II. ˈin adverb
Date: before 12th century
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
III. ˈin adjective
Date: 1599
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
IV. ˈin noun
Date: 1764
1. : one who is in office or power or on the inside
a matter of in s versus outs
2. : influence , pull
enjoyed some sort of in with the commandant — Henriette Roosenburg
V. abbreviation
1. inch
2. inlet