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engross

verb
en·​gross | \ in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio) , en-\
engrossed; engrossing; engrosses

Definition of engross

transitive verb

1a : to copy or write in a large hand
b : to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)

2 [ Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, from en gros wholesale, in quantity ]

a : to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation)
b archaic : amass, collect
c : to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations
Other Words from engross Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about engross

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Other Words from engross

engrosser noun

Examples of engross in a Sentence

a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending

Recent Examples on the Web

 Despite being currently engrossed in an intense battle for the Premier League title with Liverpool, the German has often toyed around with the idea of leading the German national team. — SI.com, "Joachim Low: 4 Candidates to Replace the World Cup Winning Coach," 8 Sep. 2019 In the clip, Madonna, engrossed in her cellphone, lies on a mat and completes a series of stretches as music plays in the background. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Madonna Shows Off Her Impressive Flexibility as She Prepares for Madame X Tour in New Clip," 15 Aug. 2019 That point is a running theme of Ken Burns’ illuminating and engrossing new documentary, Country Music, which premieres Sept. 15 on PBS. — Jon Meacham, Time, "Country Music Should Be Political. After All, It Always Has Been," 15 Aug. 2019 Those who worked out at the gym this week seemed to be engrossed in a complicated moral arithmetic. — Lizzie Widdicombe, The New Yorker, "Equinox Members Take a Stand Against Trump (Sort of)," 9 Aug. 2019 Sections on the formation of the moon and the history of lunar science are engrossing, if sometimes excessively detailed. — Eli Kintisch, Washington Post, "Exploring the moon’s past and future," 11 July 2019 The ocean deliciously roared but it was practically drowned out by a batch of college girls engrossed in taking selfies. — Margaret Wappler, Orange County Register, "First Person: Finding solace and security amid the beauty of Laguna Beach," 27 July 2019 The teamwork of Miller and Liu kept the crime drama engrossing. — Hal Boedeker, orlandosentinel.com, "‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Jane the Virgin,’ ‘Elementary’ say farewell," 26 July 2019 Mom might have been engrossed in her book, but Nana was persistent. — Alison Fields, Longreads, "On, In, or Near the Sea: A Book List," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'engross.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of engross

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for engross

Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)

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More Definitions for engross

engross

verb
How to pronounce engross (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of engross

: to hold the complete interest or attention of (someone)

See the full definition for engross in the English Language Learners Dictionary

engross

verb
en·​gross | \ in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio) \
engrossed; engrossing

Kids Definition of engross

: to take the attention of completely He was engrossed in a book.

engross

transitive verb
en·​gross | \ in-ˈgrōs How to pronounce engross (audio) \

Legal Definition of engross

: to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (as a bill or resolution) especially for final passage or approval the amendment was ordered to be engrossed — Congressional Record — see also engrossed bill at bill sense 1 — compare enroll

Note: A bill or resolution is engrossed in the Congress and some state legislatures before its third reading and final passage by one of the legislative houses.

Other Words from engross

engrossment noun

History and Etymology for engross

Anglo-French engrosser to put (a legal document) in final form, from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from in grossam (put) into final form, literally, (written) in large (letter)

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More from Merriam-Webster on engross

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with engross

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engross

Spanish Central: Translation of engross

Nglish: Translation of engross for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of engross for Arabic Speakers

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