WordGarden.ioinclude
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnklˈuːd/
US
- /ˌɪnˈklud/
Meanings
Verb
to have something as one part of a whole or group
to let someone take part or belong in a group or activity
to count, mention, or consider something within a wider scope
More meaningsFewer meanings
to insert or make available another file, library, or code unit in a program
Beyond the definition
To include something means to have it as part of a whole. A travel package might include flights, a hotel, and breakfast. A report might include charts and examples. In everyday English, we also use it when a person or thing is counted as part of a group. A good team includes people with different skills, and a guest list can include family, friends, and neighbors.
The word is also often used when we want to make it clear what is covered. If a ticket includes entry to the museum, you do not need to pay again at the door. If instructions include a map, that map comes with them as part of the full set.
The word "include" means that something is present as part of a bigger whole. Very often, it is used when listing what comes with something or what is inside it. "The price includes shipping" means shipping is part of the price. "The book includes photos and notes" means those things are in the book. In this sense, the word helps show what belongs within a set, package, plan, document, meal, or event.
It is also used for people, groups, and categories. If a club includes new members from different countries, those people are part of the club. If a survey includes teenagers and adults, both groups are counted. In this use, the word often carries the idea of bringing someone in rather than leaving them out. That is why it is common in everyday talk about schools, workplaces, and communities.
Another common use is to show what is covered by an offer, rule, or agreement. A course fee may include books. Insurance may include certain kinds of damage but not others. A job description may include travel. Here, the word tells you exactly what is part of the deal, and it often helps avoid confusion.
The opposite is exclude, which means to leave out. So when you use "include," you are saying that a thing, person, or idea belongs within the full picture. Whether you are naming ingredients, describing a service, counting members of a group, or explaining what is covered, the word points to something that is there as a real part of the whole.
Examples
- 1
Tour package
The tour includes lunch and a guide.
- 2
Application requirements
Your application should include two references.
- 3
Contact information
Please include your phone number in the email.
- 4
Job duties
The job includes some weekend work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting invitation
She felt left out when they didn't include her in the meeting.
- Patterninclude + person + in + activity/group
make them part of it
- 6
Hotel price
Breakfast is included in the room rate.
- Patternbe included in + price/deal
be part of it, not extra
- 7
Report data
The final report includes data from 12 countries.
- 8
Team members
Everyone on the team, including the interns, stayed late.
- Patternincluding + person/thing
with that person or thing as part of the group
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- includeverb
Forms
- including-ing formverb
- includedpast tenseverb
- includesverb