WordGarden.ioenter
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛntə/
US
- /ˈɛntər/
Meanings
Verb
to go or come into a place, room, or space
to type or put information into a form, computer, or system
to join, begin, or become involved in an activity, institution, state, or period
More meaningsFewer meanings
to formally submit, record, or state something in a legal proceeding or official record
to appear in, become part of, or be considered in a situation, discussion, record, or calculation
Noun
a keyboard key used to submit a command or move to a new line
Beyond the definition
To enter a place is simply to go into it, like a room, a building, or a country. But "enter" is not only about physical movement. You can also enter a competition, enter college, or enter into an agreement. It can also mean to put information somewhere, as in enter your name on a form or enter data into a spreadsheet. Think of it as moving across a line, whether that line is a real doorway or the start of something new. A knight might enter a castle to rescue a princess, while a student might enter college to follow a dream.
The word "enter" fundamentally means to go or come into a place, but its usage extends far beyond simple physical movement. It implies crossing a boundary—whether that's the doorway of a house, the borders of a country, or the start of a new phase in life. "She entered the room cautiously" describes someone physically going inside.
However, "enter" also means beginning to take part in something. You might enter a competition (like a race or contest), enter into negotiations (begin discussions with the intention of reaching an agreement), or enter a plea (formally state your response to a legal charge). It can also mean to record something, as in "Enter the data into the spreadsheet."
Historically, "enter" comes from the Old French entrer, meaning "to come in," and it retains that sense of movement and transition. It's often used when emphasizing the start of an action or state. For example: "The company is entering a new era of growth" suggests they are beginning a period of expansion.
So, whether you're physically going somewhere, starting something new, or recording information, "enter" suggests crossing a boundary and becoming involved. It's about movement, participation, and the beginning of a journey—both literal and figurative.
Examples
- 1
Room entry
She knocked softly and entered the room.
- 2
Visitor access
Visitors must enter through the side door.
- 3
Account signup
Please enter your email address when you sign up.
- 4
Race registration
He entered the race at the last minute.
- Patternenter a race
sign up to take part in it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political career
After law school, she entered politics.
- 6
Market expansion
The company plans to enter the Brazilian market next year.
- 7
Argument involvement
We didn't want to enter into a long argument about it.
- Patternenter into + discussion/argument
become involved in it
- 8
Formal negotiations
The two sides entered into formal negotiations on Monday.
- Patternenter into negotiations
officially begin them
- 9
Unexpected possibility
It never entered my mind that she might refuse.
- Phrasenever entered my mind
I never thought about it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enterverb
Forms
- enteredpast tenseverb
- entering-ing formverb
- entersverb