1
: promised to be married
They recently got engaged (to be married).
She's engaged to him.
an engaged couple
2
: busy with some activity
(US) He is engaged in research. = (Brit) He is engaged on research.
He won't be able to attend because he's otherwise engaged. [=he is busy doing something else]
3
a
chiefly British, of a telephone or telephone line
: being used
The line is still engaged. [=(US) busy]
I keep getting the engaged tone. [=(US) busy signal]
b
British, of a public toilet
: being used
Is the bathroom engaged? [=(US) occupied]
Cite this Entry
“Engaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/engaged. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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