engagement

American  

[en-geyj-muhnt] / ɛnˈgeɪdʒ mənt /

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.

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engagement British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonengagement noun
• reengagement noun

Etymology

Origin of engagement

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Explanation

If you are a musician or performer and you arrange for a performance, then you have booked an engagement. You might stand in line for tickets when your favorite comedian books an engagement at the local theater. An engagement can also be a general appointment. A previous engagement is the perfect excuse not to go to the opera with your grandmother. An engagement also means an agreement to get married. The news of your engagement might please everyone you know except your fiancé's ex-girlfriend. A military engagement is a hostile meeting of military forces on opposing sides of a conflict.

Example Sentences

And after the departure of Morgan McSweeney as chief of staff, some MPs who had felt cold-shouldered now report that they are having proper engagement with No 10.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The parks department will immediately begin a public engagement process for all three new parks to hear directly from the surrounding communities and stakeholders.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Along with the restructuring, Suzman said he has commissioned an external review related to the foundation’s engagement with Epstein and policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The company has leaned on digital engagement, loyalty programs, and product innovation to boost traffic.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

They have their own worries, Mr. Kleiman with his health and Bep with her engagement, which isn’t looking very promising at the moment.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig