engagement

[en-geyj-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of engaging or the state of being engaged; involvement: The website failed because of weak visitor engagement.

   Voter engagement and turnout were high.

   The website failed because of weak visitor engagement.

2. an appointment or arrangement.

   a business engagement.

3. betrothal.

   They announced their engagement.

4. a pledge; an obligation or agreement.

   All his time seems to be taken up with social engagements.

   Synonyms: promise, contract

5. employment, or a period or post of employment, especially in the performing arts.

   Her engagement at the nightclub will last five weeks.

6. an encounter, conflict, or battle.

   We have had two very costly engagements with the enemy this week alone.

7. Mechanics.,  the act or state of interlocking.

8. Commerce.,  engagements, financial obligations.

engagement

/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt /

noun

1. a pledge of marriage; betrothal

2. an appointment or arrangement, esp for business or social purposes

3. the act of engaging or condition of being engaged

4. a promise, obligation, or other condition that binds

5. a period of employment, esp a limited period

6. an action; battle

7. (plural) financial obligations

Other Word Forms

• nonengagement noun
• reengagement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engagement¹

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Example Sentences

Oxford defines "rage bait" as "online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, typically posted" in order to increase web traffic or engagement.

Read more on Barron's

"It's good that youth engagement is currently being promoted," she said.

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In a social-science class like psychology, coursework is expected to demonstrate critical thinking and engagement with empirical evidence.

Read more on Salon

It is a term that describes manipulative tactics used to drive engagement online, with usage of it increasing threefold in the last 12 months, according to the dictionary publisher.

Read more on BBC

By September 2025, Booker announced their engagement on Instagram, calling her “one of the greatest unearned blessings of my life.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• appointment 
• arrangement 
• commitment 
• gig