entertain
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
- Antonyms:
- bore
-
to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.
-
to admit into the mind; consider.
He never entertained such ideas.
- Antonyms:
- reject
-
to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish.
They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.
-
Archaic. to maintain or keep up.
-
Obsolete. to give admittance or reception to; receive.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to provide amusement for (a person or audience)
-
to show hospitality to (guests)
-
(tr) to hold in the mind
to entertain an idea
Related Words
See amuse.
Other Word Forms
- overentertained adjective
- preentertain verb (used with object)
- unentertained adjective
- well-entertained adjective
Etymology
Origin of entertain
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English entertenen “to hold mutually,” from Middle French entretenir, ultimately from Vulgar Latin intertenēre (unrecorded), from Latin inter- inter- + tenēre “to hold”
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.
“It has gorgeous views, huge bedrooms, perfect for someone who wants to entertain outside,” says Wilkinson.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
“A writer who was devoted to bringing laughter to the world, Jessie’s life’s work will continue to entertain audiences for decades to come.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Rather, they were inserted merely to entertain the viewer or highlight a particular singer or dancer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
And with each 600-word essay I try to revitalize, I am reminded of our daily cultural choice: either to lean back and let technology entertain us, work for us, be us—or to live.
From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026
“But I presume you can find a way to entertain yourself for a few hours here in Washington before we catch our train. There are plenty of candy shops and bookstores for you to explore.”
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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.
