entertaining

1 of 2

adjective

en·​ter·​tain·​ing ˌen-tər-ˈtā-niŋ 

ˌin-

: providing entertainment : diverting

an entertaining book

an entertaining speaker

entertainingly

ˌen-tər-ˈtā-niŋ-lē 

ˌin-

adverb

entertaining

2 of 2

present participle of entertain

Synonyms of entertaining

Adjective

• amusing
• fun
• enjoyable
• delightful

Examples of entertaining in a Sentence

Adjective

a list of entertaining things to do on a snow day

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Have your camera ready when arriving or departing, as the staff usually perform an entertaining song and dance in traditional costumes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Further aft, the cockpit is equipped with fold-down side bulwarks that open to create an expansive alfresco entertaining area by the sea. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2026

Long passages, short family holidays and entertaining guests place different demands on a yacht and its crew. — Christoph Lymbersky, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for entertaining

• appertaining
• ascertaining
• uncomplaining
• abstaining
• attaining
• campaigning
• complaining
• constraining
• containing
• detaining
• disdaining
• entraining

Kids Definition

entertaining

adjective

en·​ter·​tain·​ing ˌen-tər-ˈtān-iŋ 

: providing amusement, diversion, or recreation

an entertaining book

entertainingly adverb