entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌen-tər-ˈtān 

entertained; entertaining; entertains

transitive verb

1

: to show hospitality to

entertain guests

2

: to provide entertainment for

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 play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court

5

a

archaic : maintain

b

obsolete : receive

intransitive verb

: to provide entertainment especially for guests

entertainer noun

Synonyms

• amuse
• disport
• divert
• regale
• solace

Choose the Right Synonym for entertain

amuse, divert, entertain mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly.

amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

Examples of entertain in a Sentence

They like to entertain their friends at their summer home.

Much of his job as a salesman involves entertaining clients.

Jugglers were on hand to entertain the crowd.

Our father entertained us with stories.

Our father's stories entertained us.

Recent Examples on the Web

At one point, Pomerantz even entertained the idea of treating Cohen and Trump’s payment to Daniels as an act of extortion by the adult-film actress—a way of painting Trump as both victim and perp in the same case. —Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024

Not every traveler is looking for an intimate boutique hotel experience, and this expansive Marriott checks the boxes for those seeking a full-service stay and a convivial atmosphere with tons of options to entertain the whole family. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

In the third and most recent film, Zellweger’s Bridget entertains a new romance with American Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey), and winds up in yet another love triangle — this time with Jack and Mark, the potential fathers of her baby. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Every year, the Miami Film Festival transforms the Florida city into a hub of cultural exchange and discovery, welcoming filmmakers, industry professionals and enthusiastic audiences for a celebration of independent films that entertain as well as inspire conversation. —Cata Balzano, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024

Smith, in Tuesday's filing, urged Cannon to reverse course on entertaining the idea that Trump had any personal ownership over the classified materials he has been charged with unlawfully possessing. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2024

The chamber’s rejection of Weber’s proposal comes as Missouri Republicans have largely refused to entertain calls from Democrats to address gun violence in the wake of the shooting. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024

There’s plenty of room to entertain and/or plant an urban garden with homegrown tomatoes and herbs. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024

But, after two years of entertaining toffs, Mai wanted to go home. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 5a

Kids Definition

entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌent-ər-ˈtān 

1

: to receive and provide for as host : have as a guest

entertain friends over the weekend

2

a

: to provide entertainment

b

: to be a source of entertainment for

entertained us with stories

3

: to have in mind : consider

entertained thoughts of quitting

entertainer

ˌen-tər-ˈtā-nər

noun