entertaining
ehn-tuhr-TAY-nihng
Entertaining (adjective) means Enjoyable and amusing. Example: “We found the guide so entertaining that the two-hour tour felt like twenty minutes.”
adjective
1
Enjoyable and amusing.
"We found the guide so entertaining that the two-hour tour felt like twenty minutes."
"Sunderland came back from two goals down to earn a point from an entertaining encounter with West Brom."
— Phil Dawkes, Sunderland 2 - 2 West Brom (2011)
"The movie was surprisingly entertaining for a low-budget comedy."
"He's always entertaining at parties with his stories."
How to use entertaining
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFun or amusing to watch, read, or be around.
Common pairings
highly entertaining
entertaining story
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Word forms
- Plural
- entertainings
- Comparative
- more entertaining
- Superlative
- most entertaining
Fill the gap
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We found the guide so _____ that the two-hour tour felt like twenty minutes.
Etymology
Formed from entertain plus -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for entertaining
See all rhymes for entertaining →Frequently asked questions
What does “entertaining” mean?
The word “entertaining” means enjoyable and amusing. In plain terms, fun or amusing to watch, read, or be around.
How do you pronounce “entertaining”?
“Entertaining” is pronounced ehn-tuhr-TAY-nihng (/ˌɛntəɹˈteɪnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “entertaining” in a sentence?
Here is “entertaining” used in a sentence: “The movie was surprisingly entertaining for a low-budget comedy.”
What part of speech is “entertaining”?
“Entertaining” is an adjective.
Is “entertaining” a common word?
“Entertaining” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "entertaining" and "entertained"?
"Entertaining" describes something that provides enjoyment and amusement, while "entertained" describes the person who feels amused. A film can be entertaining, and the audience watching it is entertained.
What is the difference between "entertaining" and "amusing"?
Both mean enjoyable, but "amusing" specifically suggests something that makes you smile or laugh, while "entertaining" is broader and covers anything that holds your interest enjoyably. A tense thriller can be entertaining without being amusing.
When should you use "entertaining" instead of "fun"?
Use "entertaining" for something that actively engages and amuses an audience, such as a performance, story, or person. "Fun" describes a broader enjoyable experience you take part in, so a speaker can be entertaining while a party is fun.
Can "entertaining" describe a person?
Yes, a person can be entertaining if they are enjoyable and amusing to be around, often through wit or storytelling. Note that "entertaining" is also the act of hosting guests, as in "entertaining friends for dinner."
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