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
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
See All Example Sentences for entertain
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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
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertain. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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
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