to provide enjoyment or amusement for someone, especially by performing or telling something interesting or funny.
The magician entertained the children with clever tricks.
She entertains guests every weekend.
✦ From French *entretenir* ('to maintain, continue'), from *entre-* ('between, mutually') + *tenir* ('to hold'), from Latin *tenēre*. Originally meant 'to maintain or uphold', evolving to include amusement and hospitality.
to receive and welcome guests into one's home, providing them with food, drink, and hospitality.
They entertained friends at a dinner party.
She loves to entertain in her garden.
to give consideration or attention to an idea, suggestion, or feeling.
I won't entertain any complaints.
He entertained the idea briefly.
activities such as games, movies, or music that make people enjoy themselves
Streaming movies has become a popular form of entertainment on weekends.
The cruise ship offers live music and games for passengers' entertainment.
✦ From entertain + -ment; first recorded in Middle English.
a performance, show, or event that people watch for enjoyment
Tonight’s entertainment is a magic show in the main hall.
The festival promises street entertainments like juggling and fire dancing.
the act of welcoming and providing food, drink, or lodging to guests
The lord offered lavish entertainment to visiting nobles.
In the 18th century, grand houses competed in the scale of their entertainment of guests.
