engaged

American  

[en-geyjd] / ɛnˈgeɪdʒd /

adjective

1. busy or occupied; involved.

   deeply engaged in conversation.

2. pledged to be married; betrothed.

   an engaged couple.

3. under engagement; pledged.

   an engaged contractor.

4. entered into conflict with.

   desperately engaged armies.

5. Mechanics.

   1. interlocked.

   2. (of wheels) in gear with each other.

6. Architecture. (of a distinct member) built so as to be truly or seemingly attached in part to the structure before which it stands.

   an engaged column.

---

engaged British  

/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪdlɪ, ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd /

adjective

1. pledged to be married; betrothed

2. employed, occupied, or busy

3. architect built against or attached to a wall or similar structure

   an engaged column

4. (of a telephone line) already in use

---

Other Word Forms

• engagedly adverb
• engagedness noun
• unengaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of engaged

First recorded in 1605–15; engage + -ed ²

Example Sentences

They were engaged shortly thereafter, followed by an intimate wedding at her mother’s estate in Southampton.

From Los Angeles Times

Tina isn’t showing signs of discomfort and remains “bright and engaged” and “greets her keepers,” according to the zoo.

From Los Angeles Times

I only hope that other people reading this see the signs and find more responsible and engaged authorities to turn to.

From MarketWatch

But Washington and Tehran haven’t yet engaged in direct negotiations to end the war.

From The Wall Street Journal

A person familiar with the matter said Dean engaged in conversation with some of the people who signed it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absorbed
• committed
• employed
• engrossed
• interested
• involved
• occupied
• preoccupied
• working