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.
His gritty par to finish his round is a perfect embodiment of the turnaround he’s enjoyed on this course over the last three days. Justin Ray, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 The legend of Two Lovers Point is a timeless, bittersweet tale of eternal love and every year, thousands of locals and visitors come through and celebrate their love while enjoying one of the best views on Guam. Roger Sands, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Nicole has written for Conde Nast Traveler, Domino, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, among other titles, and enjoys crafting stories where several pockets of culture intersect. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025 Cardiff 101 Main Street will present the 15th Annual Taste of Cardiff on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attend the event to enjoy the distinctive culinary delights and handcrafted beverages that define Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s vibrant community. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enjoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enjoy. Accessed 19 Mar. 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

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