in·grain
(ˌ)in-ˈgrān 
variants
or less commonly engrain
ingrained also engrained; ingraining also engraining; ingrains also engrains
: to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution
1
a
: made of fiber that is dyed before being spun into yarn
b
: made of yarn that is dyed before being woven or knitted
2
: thoroughly worked in : innate
Synonyms
Examples of ingrain in a Sentence
Verb
the journalism professor has long ingrained his students with a deep respect for their chosen profession
the third-world privation he had witnessed forever ingrained itself upon the young doctor's memory
Adjective
an ingrain skepticism that saves him from falling for every hoax that comes along
Recent Examples on the Web
Benedetto Biondi, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Gingrich said keeping this in check is difficult in large-scale operations in the Central Valley, where farming is ingrained in communities.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Pitching coaches and performance trainers can implement changes to grip, pressure points and arm angle, but alterations are generally more challenging to ingrain with fastballs than off-speed pitches.
—The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for ingrain 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
However, achieving this requires not just technological advancement but also strategic thinking and adaptability—the very traits that my upbringing has ingrained in me.
—Benedetto Biondi, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Gingrich said keeping this in check is difficult in large-scale operations in the Central Valley, where farming is ingrained in communities.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
This development promises to further ingrain bitcoin into the global financial system and support continued growth of the bitcoin network – and will forever change the way bitcoin is utilized as a part of an overall investment portfolio.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Pitching coaches and performance trainers can implement changes to grip, pressure points and arm angle, but alterations are generally more challenging to ingrain with fastballs than off-speed pitches.
—The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for ingrain
Dictionary Entries Near ingrain
Cite this Entry
“Ingrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrain. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ingrain
1 of 2 verb
in·grain
(ˈ)in-ˈgrān
: to work deeply into the texture of something or into the mental or moral nature of someone
ingrain young children with responsibility
ingrain
2 of 2 adjective
in·grain
ˈin-ˌgrān
1
: made of fiber that is dyed before being spun into yarn
2
: made of yarn that is dyed before being woven or knitted
ingrain carpet
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share