regale

American  

[ri-geyl] / rɪˈgeɪl /

verb (used with object)

regaled, regaling

1. to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight.

2. to entertain with choice food or drink.

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verb (used without object)

regaled, regaling

1. to feast.

noun

1. Rare. a sumptuous feast.

2. Archaic. a choice article of food or drink.

3. Archaic. refreshment.

regale British  

/ rɪˈɡeɪl /

verb

1. to give delight or amusement to

   he regaled them with stories of his youth

2. to provide with choice or abundant food or drink

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noun

1. archaic

   1. a feast

   2. a delicacy of food or drink

Other Word Forms

• regalement noun
• regaler noun
• unregaled adjective

Etymology

Origin of regale

First recorded in 1650–60; from French régaler, derivative of régal(e), Old French rigale, derivative of gale “festivity” (with prefix of rigoler “to amuse oneself”), derivative of galer “to make merry”; gallant

Example Sentences

I could hear Aunt Kitty regaling her with tales of “dear Flora,” even though Mrs. Maroney hadn’t asked.

From Literature

Genge will enjoy regaling him with the story of his score over that beverage.

From BBC

The show’s narrator and singer regales guests with tales of how different Latin countries present stories of Santa Claus, or, say, the joy of unwrapping a tamale.

From Los Angeles Times

Cut to Jackie amid the tumult of a construction site, regaling a documentary crew with her plan to erect an “exact replica” of the palace.

From The Wall Street Journal

She explained that a flock of geese had flown over the bay and regaled the coastal birds with the amazing story of the wild robot and her son, the goose.

From Literature

Related Words

• amuse
• entertain