ENGLISH
REFERENCE

entertaining

adj. · v.
US //ˌɛnɝˈteɪnɪŋ// UK //ˌɛntətˈeɪnɪŋ// en·ter·tain·ing
  1. 1 amusing (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    funny, interesting, or enjoyable to watch or listen to.

    providing amusement or enjoyment; engaging the attention in an agreeable manner.

    Example

    The movie was very entertaining and kept the whole family laughing.

    Example

    The speaker delivered an entertaining keynote address, successfully blending rigorous data with humorous anecdotes to maintain the audience's interest.
  2. 2 hosting guests (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    inviting people to your home and providing them with food and drink.

    the act of receiving and providing hospitality to guests.

    Example

    They spend most of their weekends entertaining friends at their new house.

    Example

    Entertaining high-profile clients requires a delicate balance of professional networking and genuine hospitality in a relaxed setting.

    Usage

    Often used as a gerund or in continuous tenses.
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  1. 3 considering an idea (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    thinking about an idea or a suggestion seriously.

    giving attention or consideration to an idea, suggestion, or feeling.

    Example

    The boss is entertaining the idea of letting us work from home.

    Example

    The board is currently entertaining several merger proposals, though no official decision is expected until the next fiscal quarter.

    Usage

    Usually takes a direct object representing a thought or proposal.
Origin

From entertain + -ing.

Word family

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