entertain
verb (used with object)
to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
entertained
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past participleof entertain.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof entertain.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
entertainverb (used with object)to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
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.
He even looked into playing arena football and entertained the idea of playing for the Los Angeles Avengers, but that thought only lasted a day or so.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
He entertained mass audiences so successfully that his murder mysteries, spy sagas and innocent-man-accused tales became their own genre: the Alfred Hitchcock Movie, often imitated but never equaled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Parents told the BBC the cost of keeping children entertained during the school holidays remained a concern, with some saying outings can cost over £100.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
The oil chief is an eloquent speaker whose TV appearances have entertained the president.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
He says trying to keep a toddler entertained was the best acting experience he’s ever had.
From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm
