First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
engross
verb en·gross \in-ˈgrōs, en-\
: to hold the complete interest or attention of (someone)
Full Definition of ENGROSS
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>
— en·gross·er noun
See engross defined for English-language learners
See engross defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ENGROSS
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)
Related to ENGROSS
Rhymes with ENGROSS
arkose, Carlos, cosmos, crustose, cymose, dextrose, erose, fructose, globose, glucose, jocose, lactose, maltose, mannose, morose, mythos, nodose, pappose, pentose, pilose, plumose, ramose, rhamnose, ribose, rugose, schistose, setose, spinose, strigose, sucrose, Sukkoth, triose, up close, vadose, verbose, viscose
ENGROSS Defined for Kids
engross
verb en·gross \in-ˈgrōs\
en·grosseden·gross·ing
Definition of ENGROSS for Kids
: to take the attention of completely <He was engrossed in a book.>
Learn More About ENGROSS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: engrossed billPrevious Word in the Dictionary: engrooveAll Words Near: engross
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up engross? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).