regale
Americanverb (used with object)
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to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight.
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to entertain with choice food or drink.
verb (used without object)
noun
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Rare. a sumptuous feast.
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Archaic. a choice article of food or drink.
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Archaic. refreshment.
verb
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to give delight or amusement to
he regaled them with stories of his youth
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to provide with choice or abundant food or drink
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of regale
First recorded in 1650–60; from French régaler, derivative of régal(e), Old French rigale, derivative of gale “festivity” (with prefix of rigoler “to amuse oneself”), derivative of galer “to make merry”; see gallant
Explanation
You may have heard it said that the fastest way to a person’s heart is through his stomach. So, if you need to please or impress someone, regale them — that is, treat them to lavish food and drink. While food is a reliable way to regale someone, regale can also involve providing forms of entertainment such as music or storytelling. Regale is akin to the word gala, meaning “a festive party,” and gallant, which can mean “spirited and adventurous” (though gallant can also mean “noble and brave”). If you regale someone with a gala attended by partygoers who are gallant, in either sense of the word, everyone should have a pretty good time.
Vocabulary lists containing regale
The Martian
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Oliver Twist
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Unbroken
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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 Christmas Regale will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022
The main draw of the Christmas Regale is the arrival of the yule log, which is towed in by young visitors and greeted with toasts and Christmas carols.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the modern holidays and discover how the Brits celebrated Christmas in the Victorian era at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s Christmas Regale.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022
The Christmas Regale features a volunteer craft market with “everything from little lavender sachets to crocheted goods to handsewn goods,” Rudrud said.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022
Blue terraces of jade; Sherbet and lemonade Regale the overloaded guests; They loose the buttons on their chests.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, July 7th, 1920 by Various
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.
