entertain
verb
en·ter·tain
ˌen-tər-ˈtān 
entertained; entertaining; entertains
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
: to provide entertainment especially for guests
entertainer
noun
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
Perfect for those naughty and nice, vacation destinations throughout the world are offering guests a holiday extravaganza designed to entertain and amaze.
—
Roger Sands, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Called from his desk to a plush dining room where friends and family of his boss have gathered, An is asked to entertain everyone with an impromptu fighting exhibition against opponents including the Banker’s hulking son, Kevin (Kevin Lee).
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
In the last year, Chea says she’s worked one or two events per month, with each gig involving two to three hours of shucking oysters for party guests and entertaining them with lively conversation.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Deadline hears that Big Talk Studios is entertaining interest from writers about adapting Ludwig for an American audience high on similar shows, including Only Murders in the Building.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for entertain 
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.
Roger Sands, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Called from his desk to a plush dining room where friends and family of his boss have gathered, An is asked to entertain everyone with an impromptu fighting exhibition against opponents including the Banker’s hulking son, Kevin (Kevin Lee).
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
In the last year, Chea says she’s worked one or two events per month, with each gig involving two to three hours of shucking oysters for party guests and entertaining them with lively conversation.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Deadline hears that Big Talk Studios is entertaining interest from writers about adapting Ludwig for an American audience high on similar shows, including Only Murders in the Building.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for entertain
Articles Related to entertain
Dictionary Entries Near entertain
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertain. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌen-tər-ˈtā-nər
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share