- 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 property is “surrounded by lush gardens and features a sparkling pool and spa, creating an idyllic setting for both entertaining and everyday living.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
“All these Black artists are getting to tell stories in a way that is entertaining and benefiting us in cultural ways,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
It will stop becoming entertaining when every survivor has to wear SPF sunscreen rated at least 1,000 just to take out the trash.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
Xabi Alonso began his Stamford Bridge reign with an entertaining 3-2 Premier League win at west London rivals Fulham on Monday - and their new-look front three stole the show.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
Card playing, guessing games, impersonations, listening to gramophone records, slide lectures, reading aloud—the men found ways of entertaining themselves and keeping their thoughts occupied in the long, dark winter months.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
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.
