entertain

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

To entertain someone means to make them happy and engaged by doing or showing things they enjoy. Think of it like having fun together.

When we say "entertain," we usually think about events or activities that are meant to be enjoyable for others, but not necessarily for us personally. For example, if you're hosting a party and you hire musicians to play music, they're entertaining your guests with their performance. If someone is telling jokes at a wedding reception, they're trying to entertain the crowd. Some people even use the word to describe watching movies or TV shows – in this case, the entertainment is something we enjoy personally as well as passively.

How common is "entertain"?

Word entertain is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

(transitive) to amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably
Example: to entertain friends with lively conversation
(transitive and intransitive) To have someone over at one's home, or some other venue, for a party or visit.
Example: They enjoy entertaining a lot.
(transitive) to receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind
Example: The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.
(obsolete) to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep
(obsolete) to meet or encounter, as an enemy
(obsolete) to lead on; to bring along; to introduce
(Philippines, Malaysia, India, sometimes in business) to help; to assist; to answer a phone call

1 / 7

Real examples of "entertain" in context

John Cena | The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon

Interview

and entertaining or telling stories

3:27

Tom Cruise on Doing Incredibly Dangerous Stunts, Mission Impossible & Top Gun with Val Kilmer

Interview

I just want to entertain you.

3:58

Use every tool that I have to entertain the audience.