entertain

verb

en·ter·tain | \ˌen-tər-ˈtān

entertained; entertaining; entertains

Definition of entertain

transitive verb

1a archaic : maintain

b obsolete : receive

2 : to show hospitality to entertain guests

3a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity

b : to receive and take into consideration refused to entertain our plea

4 : to provide entertainment for

5 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court

intransitive verb

: to provide entertainment especially for guests

Other Words from entertain Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about entertain

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Choose the Right Synonym for entertain

amuse, divert, entertain mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly. amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly. amuse yourselves while I make dinner divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny. a light comedy to divert the tired businessman entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods. a magician entertaining children at a party

Examples of entertain in a Sentence

They like to entertain their friends at their summer home. Much of his job as a salesman involves entertaining clients. Jugglers were on hand to entertain the crowd. Our father entertained us with stories. Our father's stories entertained us.

Recent Examples on the Web

If even the most Trump-skeptical Republicans are unwilling to entertain the idea of temporarily frustrating the Republican agenda in order to rein in Trump, what hope is there for the rest of the party? — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, "Kavanaugh, the NYT op-ed, and the failure of Trump-skeptical Republicans," 7 Sep. 2018 Now, it’s being shown worldwide to lower income dreamers who can only entertain visions of ownership while watching HGTV. — David Lyons, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boca waterfront mansion a finalist in HGTV's 'Ultimate House Hunt'," 18 June 2018 Bulls analyst Stacey King no longer was the Sooners basketball legend who entertained me most on the TV screen. — David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Taking Oklahoma's Trae Young, the NBA draft's most polarizing player, would make Bulls must-see TV," 14 June 2018 The Cirque du Soleil performers who entertained the G7 leaders on Friday evening were not the only ones tying themselves in knots. — The Economist, "Donald Trump lobs a grenade from afar into the G7," 10 June 2018 However, recent reports have suggested the Mourinho is unwilling to entertain offers for his number six this summer, despite rumours of a rift between the pair. — SI.com, "Paulo Dybala Reveals Rumours of Paul Pogba Return to Juventus Make Him 'Very Happy'," 9 June 2018 Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef, author and television personality who entertained viewers by eating his way through more than 80 countries, has died, CNN said Friday. — NBC News, "Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef and 'Parts Unknown' host, dies at 61," 8 June 2018 The film introduces us to the royal court, ruled by empresses and emperors who have entertained thousands and raised millions to help others. — David Lewis, San Francisco Chronicle, "A sneak preview of the Frameline film fest lineup," 6 June 2018 That’s husband and wife and co-authors Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, who on Thursday entertained a breakfast crowd of booksellers at BookExpo America at Javits Center. — Jocelyn Mcclurg, USA TODAY, "Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman offer tasty sampling of their funny 'Love Story'," 31 May 2018

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