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
The Miami Dolphins wouldn’t even entertain it, and in fact, never put a multiyear extension on the table.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 July 2024
Biden, for his part, refused to entertain the possibility that congressional leaders might confront him in the coming days and ask him to step aside.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 6 July 2024
Those who feel compelled to entertain themselves with fireworks throughout the summer could alternately do so by looking at fireworks on their computer or phone.
—Fred Medinger, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2024
Our job is not to entertain our children every minute.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 5 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for entertain 
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 July 2024
Biden, for his part, refused to entertain the possibility that congressional leaders might confront him in the coming days and ask him to step aside.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 6 July 2024
Those who feel compelled to entertain themselves with fireworks throughout the summer could alternately do so by looking at fireworks on their computer or phone.
—Fred Medinger, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2024
Our job is not to entertain our children every minute.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 5 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for entertain
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entertain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near entertain
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertain. Accessed 15 Jul. 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
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