entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌen-tər-ˈtān How to pronounce entertain (audio)
ˌin-
entertained; entertaining; entertains
Synonyms of entertain

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 of entertain

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many commenters share personal anecdotes and express enjoyment of the museum's concept, highlighting its ability to entertain and provoke laughter. — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026 The book celebrates the family's Southern, Sicilian and Cajun roots with recipes, entertaining tips and treasured traditions designed to bring loved ones together. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 But that kept him entertained, as did his gaming console, which came in handy last year in Rome, when my husband and I slipped out to Piazza del Popolo for a glass of wine. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 The games feature unconventional rules designed to keep the action moving and entertain fans. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertain

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of entertain was in the 15th century

Rhymes for entertain

See All Rhymes for entertain

Browse Nearby Words

enter someone's mind/head
entertain
entertainer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertain. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

entertain

verb
en·​ter·​tain ˌent-ər-ˈtān How to pronounce entertain (audio)
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
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