First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
entertain
verb en·ter·tain \ˌen-tər-ˈtān\
: to have people as guests in your home or in a public place (such as a restaurant)
: to perform for (an audience) : to provide amusement for (someone) by singing, acting, etc.
: to provide or be entertainment for (someone)
Full Definition of ENTERTAIN
transitive verb
2
: to show hospitality to <entertain guests>
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 provide entertainment for
5
: to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court
intransitive verb
: to provide entertainment especially for guests
— en·ter·tain·er noun
See entertain defined for English-language learners
See entertain defined for kids
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Origin of ENTERTAIN
Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
ENTERTAIN Defined for Kids
entertain
verb en·ter·tain \ˌen-tər-ˈtān\
en·ter·taineden·ter·tain·ing
Definition of ENTERTAIN for Kids
1
: to host a social event <My parents entertain often.>
2
: to have as a guest <entertain friends>
3
: to perform for or provide amusement for <Comedians entertained the crowd.>
4
: to have in mind <She entertained thoughts of quitting.>
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