engross

verb

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en·gross | \ in-ˈgrōs

, en- \

engrossed; engrossing; engrosses

Definition of engross

transitive verb

1a : 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

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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 Like the characters populating his novels, who are terrified of their own irrelevance, Franzen has a habit of proffering bells and whistles as compensation for the modest scope of the domestic sagas that engross him. — Becca Rothfeld, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2021 Readers will engross themselves in two beefy chapters on Hatfield’s eight years as governor, but for the nearly 30 years that Hatfield spent in the U.S. Senate, Etulain serves up a scant 28 pages, inclusive of several full-page photographs. — oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2021 Buyers can dig deeper into the country of origin and engross themselves in modern experiences from contemporary creatives without saying a word. — Nafeesah Allen, House Beautiful, 13 May 2021 Amid a social justice movement and COVID-19 pandemic that engross the nation, the term gains gravitas. — Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, 11 Mar. 2021 His mother sang and played piano and was a big supporter, and Benet would engross himself in his detective father's extensive classical music collection. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2021 The Senate voted to engross the bills ahead of debate Tuesday, which blocked changes to the measures. — Nyamekye Daniel, Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2021 Two days is enough time to engross yourself in a curriculum, build a solid foundation, sleep on it and continue to build on that foundation the next day. — Chris Mudgett, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2020 The intricate synergies of coffee and capitalism form the subtext of the historian Augustine Sedgewick’s thoroughly engrossing first book, Coffeeland: One Man’s Dark Empire and the Making of Our Favorite Drug. — Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'engross.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near engross

engroove

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engrossing

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Last Updated

18 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Engross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engross. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for engross

engross

verb

English Language Learners Definition of engross

: to hold the complete interest or attention of (someone)

See the full definition for engross in the English Language Learners Dictionary

engross

verb

en·gross | \ in-ˈgrōs

engrossed; engrossing

Kids Definition of engross

: to take the attention of completely He was engrossed in a book.

engross

transitive verb

en·gross | \ in-ˈgrōs

Legal Definition of engross

: 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.