entertains; entertained; entertaining
1
: to have people as guests in your home or in a public place (such as a restaurant)
They like to entertain their friends at their summer home.
Much of his job as a salesman involves entertaining clients.
They enjoy cooking and entertaining. [=hosting dinner parties and other social occasions]
2
a
: to perform for (an audience) : to provide amusement for (someone) by singing, acting, etc.
Jugglers were on hand to entertain the crowd.
Our father entertained us with stories.
b
: to provide or be entertainment for (someone)
Our father's stories entertained us.
Our father's stories never failed to entertain. [=his stories were always enjoyable]
3
: to have (a thought, idea, etc.) in your mind
She was so unhappy with her job that she entertained thoughts of quitting. [=she thought about quitting]
It now seems possible to entertain hopes [=to hope] that the strike will be settled soon.
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/entertain. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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