entertaining

1 of 2

adjective

en·​ter·​tain·​ing ˌen-tər-ˈtā-niŋ How to pronounce entertaining (audio)
ˌin-
Synonyms of entertainingnext
: providing entertainment : diverting
an entertaining book
an entertaining speaker
entertainingly
ˌen-tər-ˈtā-niŋ-lē How to pronounce entertaining (audio)
ˌin-
adverb

entertaining

2 of 2

present participle of entertain

Synonyms of entertaining

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of entertaining in a Sentence

Adjective a list of entertaining things to do on a snow day
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Each lockable box has a hydraulic system engineered for smooth daily operation and a roomy interior that provides ample storage for your patio cushions, gardening gear, toys, or outdoor entertaining essentials. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Few things are more entertaining to Boise music nerds than seeing which performers made Idahoans stampede the ICCU Grandstand at Expo Idaho. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 Norman, who also leads a host of gloriously entertaining tours around London and beyond, built this show around the same idea — that even the driest elements of history become much more fun when everyone is invited to join in. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertaining

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of entertaining was in 1582

Rhymes for entertaining

See All Rhymes for entertaining

Browse Nearby Words

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entertaining
entertainment
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Cite this Entry

“Entertaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertaining. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

entertaining

adjective
en·​ter·​tain·​ing ˌen-tər-ˈtān-iŋ How to pronounce entertaining (audio)
: providing amusement, diversion, or recreation
an entertaining book
entertainingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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