Looking for the meaning of the word ENGAGE in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of ENGAGE with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Engage
Speech Type: Verb
late Middle English (formerly also as ingage): from French engager, ultimately from the base of gage. The word originally meant ‘to pawn or pledge something’, later ‘pledge oneself (to do something’), hence ‘enter into a contract’ (mid 16th century), ‘involve oneself in an activity’, ‘enter into combat’ (mid 17th century), giving rise to the notion ‘involve someone or something else’
ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ
ɛnˈɡeɪdʒ
occupy or attract (someone's interest or attention)
Short Definition:occupy someone's attention
Examples:- he ploughed on, trying to outline his plans and engage Sutton's attention
- I told him I was otherwise engaged
participate or become involved in
Short Definition:become involved in
Examples:- organizations engage in a variety of activities
- some are actively engaged in crime
arrange to employ or hire (someone)
Short Definition:employ someone
Examples:- he was engaged as a trainee copywriter
(with reference to a part of a machine or engine) move into position so as to come into operation
Short Definition:move into position
Examples:- the clutch will not engage
- the driver engaged the gears and pulled out into the road
(of fencers or swordsmen) bring (weapons) together preparatory to fighting.
Short Definition:bring weapons together before fighting
In Word Games
Scramble Word Scores
Words with Friends
✅ Available
Score: 11
SOWPODS
✅ Available
Score: 8
OTCWL
✅ Available
Score: 8
