entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌen-tər-ˈtān 

entertained; entertaining; entertains

transitive verb

1

: to show hospitality to

entertain guests

2

: to provide entertainment for

3

a

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

5

a

archaic : maintain

b

obsolete : receive

intransitive verb

: to provide entertainment especially for guests

entertainer noun

Synonyms

• amuse
• regale

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

Situated right at the rim, Adventures on the Gorge has a good variety of accommodations as well as outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained, including aerial adventures, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. —Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

Just down the hill, West Hollywood has lots of other diversions to keep you entertained and at ease, including award-winning spas, sushi omakase at the always-buzzing Uchi, and endless workout opportunities from group fitness classes to Runyon Canyon hikes. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025

After decades of obdurately refusing to entertain the idea of bestowing its computers with touch screens, rumor has it that Apple might finally offer this capability. —PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025

Utilizing a mix of archival footage, sculptures and sound, the installation aims to educate and entertain using a blend of fiction and science. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 5a

Rhymes for entertain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane

Kids Definition

entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌent-ər-ˈtān 

1

: to receive and provide for as host : have as a guest

entertain friends over the weekend

2

a

: to provide entertainment

b

: to be a source of entertainment for

entertained us with stories

3

: to have in mind : consider

entertained thoughts of quitting

entertainer

ˌen-tər-ˈtā-nər

noun