# engrossing

/ɪnˈɡɹoʊsɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnɡɹˈəʊsɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/engrossing
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

describing something that is so interesting that you cannot stop thinking about it. It keeps your full attention and makes you forget about everything else.

For teachers: holding one's entire attention; absorbing or engrossing. Often used to describe literature, films, or activities that prevent the mind from wandering.

## Examples

- The book is so engrossing that I read it all night.
- The documentary was so engrossing that the entire audience remained silent until the credits rolled.
- While the plot is relatively simple, the novel's engrossing prose and meticulous historical detail make it a difficult read to put down once started.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.