engross

verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

en-

engrossed; engrossing; engrosses

transitive verb

1

a

: to copy or write in a large hand

b

: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)

2

[Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, from en gros wholesale, in quantity]

a

: to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation)

b

archaic : amass, collect

c

: to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely

ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations

engrosser noun

Synonyms

• absorb
• bemuse
• busy
• catch up
• engage
• enthrall
• enthral
• enwrap
• fascinate
• grip
• immerse
• interest
• intrigue
• involve
• occupy

Examples of engross in a Sentence

a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending

Recent Examples on the Web

Micah Shawn Morrison, 51, was waiting for takeoff at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little Rock, and investigators say he was engrossed in his phone, the Arkansas attorney general’s office said in an April 2 news release. —Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025

Viewers were able to see Charlie perched onto a seat with his paws on his owner, fully engrossed in an episode of Tom and Jerry. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

While most of the program’s agents are engrossed in secretive investigative work, even the most menial role is critical — like Peter Sutherland’s. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025

Many cuts, layoffs, and an exodus of diversity leaders have engrossed the nation. —Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for engross

• arkose
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• glucose
• jocose
• morose
• vadose
• adios
• adipose
• amylose

Kids Definition

engross

verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

: to take up the whole interest or attention of : absorb

engrosser noun

engrossment

-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

engross

transitive verb

en·​gross in-ˈgrōs 

: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (as a bill or resolution) especially for final passage or approval

the amendment was ordered to be engrossed

—Congressional Record

see also engrossed bill at bill sense 1 compare enroll

Note: A bill or resolution is engrossed in the Congress and some state legislatures before its third reading and final passage by one of the legislative houses.

engrossment noun

Etymology

Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)