engrossed
Americanadjective
-
completely occupied or absorbed, as by something that captures the mind or attention; showing or characterized by such absorption.
A carefully planned light show, combined with a five-minute tapestry of spacey sounds by the quartet, brought the engrossed audience into a meditative state.
-
written or copied in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record.
In the year 1776 Hopkinson voted for the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his signature to the engrossed copy of that memorable instrument.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of engrossed
Explanation
When you’re engrossed in something, you’re so consumed by it that you don’t notice anything else, like when you’re engrossed in a conversation with that cute girl from your math class. Use the adjective engrossed to describe someone who is completely absorbed in something, whether it’s a task, a person, or an object. You might be engrossed in a movie that’s so good you just can’t look away, or you can be engrossed in talking to someone — like the girl from math class. Engrossed is often used with “in” — so you’d say you were “engrossed in” a book or “engrossed in” your homework.
Vocabulary lists containing engrossed
The Great Gatsby
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!
"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury
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!
50 Words from Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"
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.
For once, the 20,000-odd fans on a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium sat quietly engrossed during points.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
For a time, Djokovic was cast as the villain - the disruptor to the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry that so engrossed fans.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Like millions worldwide, my family and I have been deeply, and in our case, weirdly, engrossed in this year’s games.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
He keeps readers engrossed by methodically recounting the specifics of police work, including the business of obtaining warrants and interrogating witnesses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
Regina would constantly monitor him, bringing him liverwurst sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil and a container of milk for dinner, lest Bobby, engrossed in his games, skip his evening meal.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
