- 1[intransitive, transitive] (not usually used in the passive) (formal) to come or go into something Knock before you enter. Enter Hamlet (= for example as stage directions in the text of a play). enter something Someone entered the room behind me. Where did the bullet enter the body? (figurative) A note of defiance entered her voice. (figurative) It never entered my head (= I never thought) that she would tell him about me. join institution/start work
- 2[transitive, no passive] enter something to become a member of an institution; to start working in an organization or a profession to enter a school/college/university to enter politics
- 3[transitive] enter something to begin or become involved in an activity, a situation, etc. to enter a relationship/conflict/war Several new companies have now entered the market. The investigation has entered a new phase. The strike is entering its fourth week. exam/competition
- 4[transitive] to put your name on the list for a race, competition, etc.; to do this for someone enter something 1,000 children entered the competition. enter somebody/something in something An experienced trainer, he has entered several horses in the race. enter somebody/something for something How many cars have been entered for the race? write information
- 5[transitive] to put names, numbers, details, etc. in a list, book, or computer enter something (in something) Enter your name and occupation in the boxes (= on a form). enter something (into something) to enter data into a computer enter something (on something) to enter figures on a spreadsheet say officially
- 6[transitive] enter something (formal) to say something officially so that it can be recorded to enter a plea of not guilty (= at the beginning of a court case) to enter an offer see entrance1, entry Idioms
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NAmE//ˈɛntər//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they enter he / she / it enters
past simple entered
-ing form entering
(of a law, rule, etc.) to start being used When do the new regulations come into force? Phrasal Verbsenter intoenter on
Check pronunciation: enter