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

a archaic : maintain

b obsolete : receive

: to show hospitality to <entertain guests>

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>

: to provide entertainment for

: 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

Origin of ENTERTAIN

Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ENTERTAIN

Synonyms: disport, divert, amuse, regale, solace

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>.

ENTERTAINER Defined for Kids