engross

1 of 2

verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

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

engrosser

2 of 2

noun

en·​gross·​er

-sə(r)

plural -s

1

: a monopolist or a person who attempts to establish a monopoly (as of goods or power)

2

: one that engrosses documents

Synonyms of engross

Verb

• interest
• immerse
• intrigue
• occupy
• fascinate
• involve
• attract
• busy

Examples of engross in a Sentence

Verb

a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The American composer’s latest album of field recordings and fourth-wall slippage is an engrossing travelogue from the outskirts of experimental music. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026

Don’t miss this thoroughly engrossing catalog of the coolest people of the era and the rise of the hipster. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 3 June 2026

Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

If a potential friend is engrossed with a particular podcast or TV show, take their bid and check it out. — Anna Goldfarb, CNBC, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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)

Noun

Middle English, from engrossen + -er, -ere -er

First Known Use

Verb

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

Rhymes for engross

• arkose
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• glucose
• jocose
• morose
• plateaus
• spinose
• vadose
• adios

Kids Definition

engross

verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

: to take up the whole interest or attention of : absorb

engrosser noun

engrossment

-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

engross

transitive verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

: 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 engrossed

—Congressional 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

Transitive verb

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)