engaged
Americanadjective
-
busy or occupied; involved.
deeply engaged in conversation.
-
pledged to be married; betrothed.
an engaged couple.
-
under engagement; pledged.
an engaged contractor.
-
entered into conflict with.
desperately engaged armies.
-
Mechanics.
-
(of wheels) in gear with each other.
-
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.
adjective
-
pledged to be married; betrothed
-
employed, occupied, or busy
-
architect built against or attached to a wall or similar structure
an engaged column
-
(of a telephone line) already in use
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of engaged
Explanation
Engaged means fully occupied or having your full attention. An engaged reader really focuses on the words and maybe even jots down questions or comments in the pages' margins. If you're busy or involved with something, you're engaged in it. A formal reply to an invitation to lunch might be, "I'm sorry, I'm otherwise engaged" — meaning you already have plans. Engaged often describes people who have committed to getting married. You can see this meaning in the word's origin, the French word engagier, meaning "to pledge."
Vocabulary lists containing engaged
Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"What Is News?" and "How to Detect Bias in the News"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"What we're showing is brain aging can be reversed, to help people stay mentally sharp, socially engaged and free from age-related decline."
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
“She was so connected to it and felt really, really engaged with it. Obviously, she’s such an incredible businesswoman and visionary. It just felt right.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Venezuela’s vice president for the economy, Calixto Ortega Sánchez, said the government had engaged with several advisers but chose Centerview because of “its deep understanding” of Venezuela’s economy and longstanding relationship with the bankers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
"He was smiling a lot, engaged in the battle and having fun with the challenge."
From BBC • May 24, 2026
Emma’s confusion, and the acknowledged intimacy, seemed to declare her affection engaged.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
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.
