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

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The pandemic created new opportunities for employees to enjoy more flexible arrangements, but that hasn’t been shared equally across the economy. Alex Tanzi, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2023 While Tyga might enjoy Avril’s free-spirited, go-with-the-flow attitude now, her fickleness and lack of commitment may frustrate him in the long run. Naydeline Mejia, Women's Health, 25 Mar. 2023 Fans will be able to watch the match on a big screen on the patio and enjoy drink specials. Scott Turner | , al, 25 Mar. 2023 Based on his parent’s recipes, the sauces are packed with Filipino flavor for everyone to enjoy. Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 24 Mar. 2023 Chapter 4 distills physical and mechanized antagonism to an abstraction that allows audiences to enjoy the mayhem without feeling the threat of reality and death. Armond White, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023 If so, grab a seat at the raw bar just inside and enjoy watching the shuckers work. Kayla Webley Adler, ELLE, 24 Mar. 2023 You can get lost in the woods by yourself (and enjoy many of its benefits), but there’s something especially restorative about sharing the experience with others. Dana Covit, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2023 Thurmond said the park is a very popular area where people walk and enjoy nature. Nick Valencia, CNN, 24 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enjoy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 intransitive sense

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 30 Mar. 2023.

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
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