Entertain

/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) to amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) to amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably
2. (transitive and intransitive) To have someone over at one's home, or some other venue, for a party or visit.
3. (transitive) to receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind
4. (obsolete) to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep
5. (obsolete) to meet or encounter, as an enemy
6. (obsolete) to lead on; to bring along; to introduce
7. (Philippines, Malaysia, India, sometimes in business) to help; to assist; to answer a phone call
8. (obsolete) Entertainment; pleasure.

Example Sentences

to entertain friends with lively conversation

The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.

They enjoy entertaining a lot.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers[…]

About 200 guests were invited and entertained to lunch in the so-called booking hall at Waterloo; the contractors, Spiers & Pond Limited, were much praised for organising the repast, with attendant cloak room facilities, so well in such unfavourable surroundings.

The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.

to entertain a proposal

I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke.

Synonyms for entertain

Antonyms for entertain

Related Words

Word Forms

• entertains
• entertaining
• entertained
• entertaine

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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