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Definition of entertain

entertain

/ˌɛn.tərˈteɪn/
en · ter · tain
Adverb:entertainingly
•
Adjective:entertaining
•
Past Simple:entertained
•
Past Participle:entertained
•
Present Participle:entertaining
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entertain Lexical Profile

entertain Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To provide someone with amusement, enjoyment, or diversion.

Example

"The street musician played lively folk tunes to entertain the passing crowd."

2

To receive and treat guests with food, drink, and hospitality in one's home or at a social event.

Example

"They bought a larger dining table because they love to entertain friends and colleagues on weekends."

3

To give attention, consideration, or room in the mind to an idea, feeling, or proposal.

Example

"The board of directors refused to entertain any further offers to sell the historic building."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for entertain

• Nearby Words

enterprise
enterpriser
enterprising
entertain
entertainer
entertaining
entertainingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French entretenir ('to hold together, maintain, or keep in a certain state of mind'), formed from entre- (from Latin inter, 'among') and tenir (from Latin tenere, 'to hold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Entertain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/entertain
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