noun Uncommon

ent

ehnt

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Ent (noun) means In J. R. R. Tolkien's fiction, one of a race of giant, tree-like beings who guard the forests of Middle-earth. Example: “Treebeard, the oldest of the Ents, spoke slowly and remembered ages long past.”

noun

In J. R. R. Tolkien's fiction, one of a race of giant, tree-like beings who guard the forests of Middle-earth.

"Treebeard, the oldest of the Ents, spoke slowly and remembered ages long past."

How to use ent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term from fantasy fiction (popularized by "The Lord of the Rings") for a walking, talking tree-giant.

When to use it

Almost exclusively used in the context of Tolkien's books and films, or works inspired by them.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ents
Third person singular: ents
Past tense: ented

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Treebeard, the oldest of the _____, spoke slowly and remembered ages long past.

Etymology

Tolkien borrowed the word from Old English ent, meaning "giant," reviving a term that had otherwise died out of the language by modern times.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for ent

bent went sent vent rent dent gent tent Kent pent Lent spent

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ent” mean?

The word “ent” means in J. R. R. Tolkien's fiction, one of a race of giant, tree-like beings who guard the forests of Middle-earth. In plain terms, a term from fantasy fiction (popularized by "The Lord of the Rings") for a walking, talking tree-giant.

How do you pronounce “ent”?

“Ent” is pronounced ehnt (/ɛnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ent” in a sentence?

Here is “ent” used in a sentence: “Treebeard, the oldest of the Ents, spoke slowly and remembered ages long past.”

What part of speech is “ent”?

“Ent” is a noun.

Where does the word “ent” come from?

The word “ent” comes from Old English. Tolkien borrowed the word from Old English ent, meaning "giant," reviving a term that had otherwise died out of the language by modern times.

Is “ent” a common word?

“Ent” is an uncommon word in modern English.