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

Taylor Swift is “shockingly” offended by the idea that “The Life of a Showgirl” could be — given her recent engagement to Travis Kelce — her final album.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair went on to have two children but split in 2010, weeks after announcing their engagement.

From BBC

The duke has made several trips to the UK in recent years for a variety of engagements including for charity events and to attend court cases.

From BBC

Swift showed off her diamond engagement ring, which she confirmed Kelce designed with an "amazing jeweller" called Kindred Lubeck.

From BBC

He started a consulting firm and was paid for public speaking engagements around the country, raising alarms about the record number of border crossings during the Biden administration.

From Salon

Related Words

• appointment 
• arrangement 
• commitment 
• gig