To entertain means to hold someone's attention in an enjoyable way. When a comedian tells jokes, a magician performs tricks, or a musician plays a concert, they entertain their audience by making the experience interesting and fun. A good book entertains you by pulling you into its story. Even a simple board game can entertain a group of friends on a rainy afternoon.

When something entertains you, it holds your attention, keeping you engaged rather than bored or distracted. Teachers try to make lessons entertaining so students stay focused. Video games entertain millions of people by offering challenges and adventures.

The word can also mean to consider an idea seriously. When someone says “I'll entertain that suggestion,” they mean they'll give it genuine thought, holding it in their mind long enough to really think it through. A scientist might entertain different hypotheses before deciding which one to test.

A person who entertains others professionally is called an entertainer, someone whose work involves capturing and holding an audience's attention, whether through music, comedy, acting, or other kinds of performance.