- 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.
Out back, the leafy grounds are anchored by a private swimming pool and spa, creating a secluded spot for relaxing and entertaining.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
This year’s election season has already been entertaining and promises to be more so — provided we don’t burn the country to the ground in the process.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
Hamed was one of British boxing's biggest stars during the 1990s, combining an entertaining fighting style with elaborate ring entrances and a larger-than-life character.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
“Thankfully we’re not always pushing a message. Sometimes it is just about entertaining the crowd at all costs.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
But Penelope knew that if Lady Constance saw her entertaining an actual caller—and a young gentleman, mind you!—there would be no end to the hysteria.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
