regale

verb

re·gale | \ ri-ˈgāl

regaled; regaling

Definition of regale

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to entertain sumptuously : feast with delicacies

2 : to give pleasure or amusement to regaled us with tall tales

intransitive verb

: to feast oneself : feed

regale

noun

Definition of regale (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a sumptuous feast

2 : a choice piece especially of food

Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about regale

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Synonyms for regale

Synonyms: Verb

amuse, disport, divert, entertain, solace

Synonyms: Noun

banquet, dinner, feast, feed, spread

Did You Know?

Verb

Regale has been an English verb since at least 1656; it was adapted from French régaler, which has the same meaning as "regale." The French verb goes back to Middle French galer, which means "to have a good time," and to Old French gale, meaning "pleasure." (Gala, meaning "a festive celebration," is from the same source.) "Regale" also has a history as a noun meaning "a sumptuous feast." That use dates back to at least 1670, when someone penned the following notice for posterity: "My Lord Duke will not be able to get away yet…, all the regales that are intended for him not being yet at an end." (The lord referred to is the Duke of Buccleuch, whose regales ended once and for all 15 years later when he was beheaded.)

Examples of regale in a Sentence

Verb

regaled his grandchildren with stories of his time in Morocco an inn that nightly regales its guests with five-course meals prepared by a master chef

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The son of a landscape designer and a landscape installer, Chadwick regales you with the story of some of the 89 Scotch pines, all dug up in far-flung places, trucked to Everett and placed just so for the right Wynn Resorts look. — Joshua Miller, BostonGlobe.com, "Encore’s rich flora blooms thanks to one man’s botanic expertise," 18 Aug. 2019 During the television broadcast of Saturday’s game, McVay regaled viewers with his analysis from the sideline. — Los Angeles Times, "Rams: Micah Kiser’s injury could mean more snaps for Bryce Hager," 18 Aug. 2019

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

History and Etymology for regale

Verb

French régaler, from Middle French, from regale, noun

Noun

French régal, from Middle French regale, from re- + galer to have a good time — more at gallant

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More Definitions for regale

regale

verb

re·gale | \ ri-ˈgāl

regaled; regaling

Kids Definition of regale

: to give pleasure or amusement to He regaled his guests with stories.

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regale

Definition of regale

Synonyms for regale

Did You Know?

Examples of regale in a Sentence

First Known Use of regale

History and Etymology for regale

Kids Definition of regale

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