engross

verb

en·gross in-ˈgrōs

en-

engrossed; engrossing; engrosses

Synonyms of engross next

transitive verb

: to copy or write in a large hand

: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)

[Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, from en gros wholesale, in quantity]

: to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation)

archaic : amass, collect

: to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely

ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations

engrosser noun

Example Sentences

a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending

Recent Examples on the Web Prada's Miranda Priestly, 1923 should engross Yellowstone fans too. —

Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 18 Dec. 2022 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 See More

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.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of engross was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Engross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engross. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.

Copy Citation

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

History and Etymology for engross

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)