entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌen-tər-ˈtān 

entertained; entertaining; entertains

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

• amuse
• disport
• divert
• regale
• solace

Choose the Right Synonym for entertain

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

In a sweet moment shared by the NBA, Clark was seen entertaining two of White's sons, bringing them into frame to wave at the camera when she was captured on the Jumbotron. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025

The change is one that has left Morton suitably entertained. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

More Space Feeling cramped in your current space or entertaining a new job offer can be reasons for upgrading your home. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

Cooper is trying to keep the doors of Paradise Records open with its motley crew of entertaining employees, even as the world works against him. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for entertain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane

Kids Definition

entertain

verb

en·​ter·​tain ˌent-ər-ˈtān 

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