engross

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

Synonyms of engross

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

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

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

Like millions worldwide, my family and I have been deeply, and in our case, weirdly, engrossed in this year’s games. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 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

Up ahead, 2026 Paris-Roubaix winner Wout van Aert is engrossed in a phone call. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 29 June 2026

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

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

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)