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 Arieli admits, but the kids are engrossed by the objects and use them in unusual ways, turning an old microwave into a space shuttle dashboard, for example. — Ephrat Livni, Quartzy, "This Hebrew word can help you turn inevitable chaos into creativity," 11 Sep. 2019 In each chapter of this very long but engrossing book, Coll takes a deep dive into some particular facet of the conflict. — Andrew J. Bacevich, New York Times, "The War That Will Not End," 31 Jan. 2018 Houstonians were engrossed in the sound of music at a handful of events this past weekend. — John-henry Perera, Houston Chronicle, "Music was the major theme of Houston's weekend (Aug. 9 - 11)," 12 Aug. 2019 Despite being currently engrossed in an intense battle for the Premier League title with Liverpool, the German has often toyed around with the idea of leading the German national team. — SI.com, "Joachim Low: 4 Candidates to Replace the World Cup Winning Coach," 8 Sep. 2019 In the clip, Madonna, engrossed in her cellphone, lies on a mat and completes a series of stretches as music plays in the background. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Madonna Shows Off Her Impressive Flexibility as She Prepares for Madame X Tour in New Clip," 15 Aug. 2019 That point is a running theme of Ken Burns’ illuminating and engrossing new documentary, Country Music, which premieres Sept. 15 on PBS. — Jon Meacham, Time, "Country Music Should Be Political. After All, It Always Has Been," 15 Aug. 2019 Those who worked out at the gym this week seemed to be engrossed in a complicated moral arithmetic. — Lizzie Widdicombe, The New Yorker, "Equinox Members Take a Stand Against Trump (Sort of)," 9 Aug. 2019 Sections on the formation of the moon and the history of lunar science are engrossing, if sometimes excessively detailed. — Eli Kintisch, Washington Post, "Exploring the moon’s past and future," 11 July 2019

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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Last Updated

12 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for engross

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

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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.