enjoy

verb

en·​joy in-ˈjȯi How to pronounce enjoy (audio)
en-
enjoyed; enjoying; enjoys

intransitive verb

: to have a good time

transitive verb

1
: to have for one's use, benefit, or lot : experience
enjoyed great success
2
: to take pleasure or satisfaction in
enjoyable adjective
enjoyableness noun
enjoyably adverb
enjoyer noun
Phrases
enjoy oneself
: to have a good time

Examples of enjoy in a Sentence

Relax and enjoy the view. He always enjoys a good laugh. No one enjoys being teased. She enjoyed great success in her new business. The show enjoyed a brief surge of popularity. They enjoyed a large income from their investments.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most people enjoy sharing advice or helping others succeed. Samantha Alvita, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 With Shrek 5 set to release on July 1, 2026, Bell and Garza will get to enjoy the new movie as husband and wife. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025 Ryan Hardie enjoyed working with Rooney (Gareth Copley/Getty Images) And there were high points during his Plymouth reign, particularly at home. Richard Amofa, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday morning, Vic Jones was cleaning dishes in the kitchen and running Palermo’s pizza out to the bar for customers to enjoy for free. Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enjoy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enjoien, from Anglo-French enjoir, enjoier to gladden, enjoy, from en- + joie joy

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enjoy was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near enjoy

Cite this Entry

“Enjoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enjoy. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

enjoy

verb
en·​joy in-ˈjȯi How to pronounce enjoy (audio)
1
: to have or experience as a benefit or for one's use
enjoy great success
enjoying the freedom to pursue one's interests
2
: to take pleasure from
I didn't enjoy the movie
enjoyable adjective
enjoyableness noun
enjoyably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on enjoy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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