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

Example Sentences

“In the age of AI, it has become one of the most high-value channels for clients, delivering unparalleled cultural relevance, live engagement, and measurable impact.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Algorithms amplify content based on engagement -- and engagement is often driven by sensationalism, outrage and misinformation.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

WeRide is likely to reinforce its first-mover advantages, such as level 4 autonomous driving technology, strong unit economics, and deep engagement with industry regulators, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

On another, it is a limited engagement whose consequences can be contained and whose risks are overstated.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Which brought up the obvious matter of rules of engagement.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig