engross

verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio)
en-
engrossed; engrossing; engrosses

transitive verb

1
a
: to copy or write in a large hand
b
: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)
2
[Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, from en gros wholesale, in quantity]
a
: to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation)
b
archaic : amass, collect
c
: to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely
ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations
engrosser noun

Examples of engross in a Sentence

a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending
Recent Examples on the Web Describing 2019’s Joker as a breath of fresh air somehow seems wrong considering its disturbing air, but in a world where superhero movies are starting to blur into one another, director’s Todd Phillips take on the origins story of the Crown Prince of Crime was engrossing different. Benny Har-Even, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 Kinetic visuals, projection mapping, choreographed sound and more, engrosses the viewer in dynamic audiovisual landscapes and experimentations. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Frances was a professional through and through, totally engrossed by science. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 Email, instant messaging, phone calls, and texts, are just a few ways to interrupt someone engrossed in a task. Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for engross 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'engross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of engross was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near engross

Cite this Entry

“Engross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engross. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

engross

verb
en·​gross in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio)
: to take up the whole interest or attention of : absorb
engrosser noun
engrossment
-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

engross

transitive verb
en·​gross in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio)
: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (as a bill or resolution) especially for final passage or approval
the amendment was ordered to be engrossedCongressional Record
see also engrossed bill at bill sense 1 compare enroll

Note: A bill or resolution is engrossed in the Congress and some state legislatures before its third reading and final passage by one of the legislative houses.

engrossment noun
Etymology

Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)

More from Merriam-Webster on engross

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