Entertain Meaning in English
word
Definition
To entertain someone is to keep them interested, amused, or enjoying themselves. It can also mean to welcome and provide food, drink, or company for guests.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns: 'entertain the children', 'entertain guests', 'entertain an idea' (more formal: consider a possibility). For fun or amusement, it is neutral to slightly formal; in everyday speech, people often say 'keep someone busy' or 'have people over' depending on the context.
Example Sentences
We entertain the kids with games on rainy days.
basic
They often entertain guests at home on weekends.
basic
A good story can entertain people for hours.
basic
I had to entertain my little nephew while my sister was on a call.
natural
We're entertaining some friends tonight, so the house is a mess right now.
natural
At first I didn't entertain the idea, but now it actually sounds possible.
natural