enjoy

verb

en·​joy in-ˈjȯi How to pronounce enjoy (audio)
en-
enjoyed; enjoying; enjoys

intransitive verb

: to have a good time

transitive verb

1
: to have for one's use, benefit, or lot : experience
enjoyed great success
2
: to take pleasure or satisfaction in
enjoyable adjective
enjoyableness noun
enjoyably adverb
enjoyer noun
Phrases
enjoy oneself
: to have a good time

Examples of enjoy in a Sentence

Relax and enjoy the view. He always enjoys a good laugh. No one enjoys being teased. She enjoyed great success in her new business. The show enjoyed a brief surge of popularity. They enjoyed a large income from their investments.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One more set of games to enjoy, one more set of committee rankings to be angry about. Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 3 Dec. 2024 Throughout December, famous tracks, such as Lennon’s, enjoy huge gains in streams and sales, as well as radio airplay, as the world celebrates the happiest time of the year for so many. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Follow the best thawing and reheating practices when enjoying leftovers again. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 Lego Icon Tiny Plants Building Set Legos are classics that transcend generations, so adults and kids alike will enjoy this building set that makes a cute gift for someone who doesn’t have a green thumb. Toni Sutton, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enjoy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enjoien, from Anglo-French enjoir, enjoier to gladden, enjoy, from en- + joie joy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enjoy was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near enjoy

Cite this Entry

“Enjoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enjoy. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

enjoy

verb
en·​joy in-ˈjȯi How to pronounce enjoy (audio)
1
: to have or experience as a benefit or for one's use
enjoy great success
enjoying the freedom to pursue one's interests
2
: to take pleasure from
I didn't enjoy the movie
enjoyable adjective
enjoyableness noun
enjoyably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on enjoy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!