entrain

1 of 2

verb

en·​train in-ˈtrān 

entrained; entraining; entrains

transitive verb

1

: to draw along with or after oneself

2

: to draw in and transport (something, such as solid particles or gas) by the flow of a fluid

3

: to incorporate (air bubbles) into concrete

4

: to determine or modify the phase or period of

circadian rhythms entrained by a light cycle

entrainer noun

entrainment

in-ˈtrān-mənt 

noun

entrainer

2 of 2

noun

en·​train·​er

-ānə(r)

: one that entrains

specifically : a liquid added as a third component to liquid mixtures for aiding their separation by fractional distillation (as by the formation of an azeotrope)

Examples of entrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

When all of us were entrained, rhythm section, guitars, and voices... —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Jan. 2026

Our desire to feel good (and not bad) entrains us to fulfill our bodies’ needs. —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

Warmer air, for example, boosts evaporation, which leads to more moisture entrained in the atmosphere, intensifying rainfalls, while warmer oceans provide an energy source for more violent hurricanes. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 Oct. 2025

To keep dirt particles kicked up by the beater brush entrained in the airstream, the air needed to move fast. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle French entrainer, from en- + trainer to draw, drag

First Known Use

Verb

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for entrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

entrain

verb

en·​train

in-ˈtrān

: to put or go aboard a train

Medical Definition

entrain

transitive verb

en·​train in-ˈtrān 

: to determine or modify the phase or period of

circadian rhythms entrained by a light cycle

entrainment

-ˈtrān-mənt 

noun