amuse
Americanverb (used with object)
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to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner.
She amused the guests with witty conversation.
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to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in.
The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.
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to cause (time, leisure, etc.) to pass agreeably.
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Archaic. to keep in expectation by flattery, pretenses, etc.
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Obsolete.
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to engross; absorb.
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to puzzle; distract.
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verb
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to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert
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to cause to laugh or smile
Commonly Confused
See bemuse.
Related Words
Amuse, divert, entertain mean to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy. Divert implies turning the attention from serious thoughts or pursuits to something light, amusing, or lively. That which entertains usually does so because of a plan or program that engages and holds the attention by being pleasing and sometimes instructive.
Other Word Forms
- amusable adjective
- amuser noun
- unamusable adjective
- unamusably adverb
Etymology
Origin of amuse
First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French amuser “to divert”; equivalent to a- 5 + muse
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A steal at $28 for three courses, diners saddle up to the counter, reminiscent of a chef’s table, for a French and Japanese-inspired amuse bouche with a main dessert, followed by petit fours.
From Salon • Jul. 13, 2025
Medtail joins another category of tenants intended to attract visitors known as experiential retail, which has also surged in popularity since the pandemic as people eager to amuse themselves among friends sought out group activities.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025
"Slay" as a slang term means to greatly impress or amuse, and "sigma" means popular or successful.
From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025
The parrots’ main impact has been to amuse or annoy people during the raucous overflights of large flocks.
From National Geographic • Dec. 13, 2023
“You’d better read it aloud. That will amuse us and keep you out of mischief,” said Amy in her most grown-up tone.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
