entertain
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


en·ter·tain

verb \ˌen-tər-ˈtān\

Definition of ENTERTAIN

transitive verb
1
a archaic : maintain
b obsolete : receive
2
: to show hospitality to <entertain guests>
3
a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind <I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity>
b : to receive and take into consideration <refused to entertain our plea>
4
: to provide entertainment for
5
: to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court
intransitive verb
: to provide entertainment especially for guests
en·ter·tain·er noun

Examples of ENTERTAIN

  1. They like to entertain their friends at their summer home.
  2. Much of his job as a salesman involves entertaining clients.
  3. Jugglers were on hand to entertain the crowd.
  4. Our father entertained us with stories.
  5. Our father's stories entertained us.

Origin of ENTERTAIN

Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable
First Known Use: 15th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: entertaining
Previous Word in the Dictionary: enterprising
All Words Near: entertain

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up entertain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More