- 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.
The two-story mansion features seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, along with an impressive selection of amenities designed for entertaining and relaxation.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026
Lord's has often been criticised for being slow and low, thus providing less entertaining cricket.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
Noah Reid and Carrie-Anne Moss star in an ambiguous but entertaining eight-part series that draws on the Slavic myth of Baba Yaga.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
If you’re inclined to invest in your entertaining collection, I’d recommend looking for a secondhand tureen with personality, a few bowls in different sizes and more spoons than you think you need.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
Once a year we spent two span at his manor, entertaining him and his household.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
