- present participle of entertain.
entertaining
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of entertaining
Explanation
Things that are entertaining are enjoyable and distracting. Going to the circus is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Activities like playing games and watching movies can be entertaining, and you can also describe a friend who's particularly funny or fun to be with as entertaining. The adjective comes from the related verb, entertain, which meant "keep up, maintain, or keep someone in a certain frame of mind" in the fifteenth century. It comes from the Old French entretenir, "hold together."
Vocabulary lists containing entertaining
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 them, England's exit would simply be the most entertaining outcome.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
A formal dining room, paneled bar, spacious kitchen with a fireplace, and butler’s pantry make entertaining a breeze.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026
Sometimes, it’s the little bites that make the biggest impression when entertaining.
From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026
“Power Surge” is ultimately an entertaining pop history that could use a little more focus and a lot more flavor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
It was certainly the most entertaining, with the Rossis telling him story after story of their life in the circus, pausing once in a while to glance over at Emily on the television….
From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith
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.
