enrol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “enrol” mean?
To officially sign up or register for a course, program, or as a member of an organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To officially sign up or register for a course, program, or as a member of an organization.
To formally enter one's name on a list, record, or register for a specific purpose, often involving an official commitment, entry into a system, or acceptance of a duty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK/AU/NZ/CA spelling: 'enrol' (infinitive), 'enrolled', 'enrolling', 'enrolment'. US spelling: 'enroll', 'enrolled', 'enrolling', 'enrollment'.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and usage; difference is purely orthographic.
Frequency
Both spellings are common within their respective regions. 'Enroll' is globally recognized due to US media influence, but 'enrol' remains standard in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “enrol” in a Sentence
[sb] enrols (sb) in/on/at [sth][sb] enrols as [sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enrol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must enrol on the module by Friday.
- She enrolled her daughter at the local primary school.
- Over 300 students have already enrolled.
American English
- You need to enroll in the class by Friday.
- He enrolled his son in the community baseball league.
- Participants can enroll online via the portal.
adjective
British English
- The newly enrolled members received a welcome pack.
- Enrolled students have access to the library.
American English
- Newly enrolled employees must attend orientation.
- Only enrolled participants may use the facility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Enrolling employees in a pension scheme or training program.
Academic
Students enrolling for the autumn semester.
Everyday
Enrolling your child in a local football club.
Technical
Enrolling a device in a mobile device management system.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enrol”
- Incorrect preposition: 'enrol to a course' (correct: 'enrol in/on a course').
- Spelling confusion in British English: 'enrole' or 'enrolment' (correct: 'enrol', 'enrolment').
- Using it for informal lists: 'I enrolled my name for the party snacks.' (Too formal; use 'signed up' or 'put my name down').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Enrol' is often more formal and used for educational courses or official memberships implying a sustained commitment. 'Register' is broader, for any official recording of details (e.g., to vote, a birth). 'Sign up' is more informal and common for clubs, newsletters, or one-off events.
Both are correct but regional. 'Enrol in' is standard in US and common in UK English. 'Enrol on' is specifically British, especially used for courses, modules, or programmes (e.g., 'enrol on a course'). 'Enrol at' is used for institutions (e.g., 'enrol at Oxford').
UK/AU/NZ/CA: 'enrolment'. US: 'enrollment'. Both refer to the process of enrolling or the number of people enrolled.
Yes. Common in contexts like enrolling in a pension scheme, a loyalty programme, the armed forces ('enlist' is more specific here), or a professional register (e.g., 'enrolled nurse').
To officially sign up or register for a course, program, or as a member of an organization.
Enrol: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈrəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈroʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enrol in the school of hard knocks (rare, metaphorical)”
- “enrol under the banner of (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ENROL: Enter Name, Register On List.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOINING IS ENTERING A CONTAINER (enrol IN a course). RECORD-KEEPING IS WRITING (putting your name ON a list).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'enrol' (UK spelling) correctly?