engagement

noun

en·​gage·​ment in-ˈgāj-mənt 

en-

1

a

: an arrangement to meet or be present at a specified time and place

a dinner engagement

b

: a job or period of employment especially as a performer

2

: something that engages : pledge

3

a

: the act of engaging : the state of being engaged

b

: emotional involvement or commitment

… seesaws between obsessive engagement and ambiguous detachment.

—Gary Taylor

c

: betrothal

4

: the state of being in gear

5

: a hostile encounter between military forces

Synonyms of engagement

• betrothal

Examples of engagement in a Sentence

The couple recently announced their engagement.

She surprised everyone by breaking off her yearlong engagement.

We have a dinner engagement this weekend.

She's been offered several speaking engagements.

his lifelong engagement with politics

a lack of emotional engagement

Recent Examples on the Web

In parallel, the growing importance of long-range precision strike, loitering munitions, networked sensors, and standoff anti-tank missiles means that future armored warfare will emphasize not only heavy armor but also connectivity, situational awareness, and remote engagement. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

In 2017, Markle gave an interview with Harry, announcing their engagement and her decision to leave acting behind. —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Datskovska regularly reports on jewelry trends and the best engagement ring brands to shop. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

With over three decades of experience as a talent buyer, Ginoza spoke candidly about the future of artist development and the critical role of fan engagement in shaping the live music experience. —Evan Burke, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing engagement

• re-engagement

Rhymes for engagement

• disengagement

Kids Definition

engagement

noun

en·​gage·​ment in-ˈgāj-mənt 

1

a

: a promise to be present at a specified place and time

b

: employment especially for a stated time

the band had engagements in different towns

2

: pledge entry 1 sense 5, obligation

3

a

: the act of engaging : the state of being engaged

b

: an agreement to marry

also : the period during which one is pledged to be married

4

: the state of being meshed into a working arrangement in which one part drives another

5

: the state of being in conflict, opposition, or battle

Medical Definition

engagement

noun

en·​gage·​ment in-ˈgāj-mənt 

: the phase of childbirth in which the fetal head passes into the cavity of the true pelvis