enjoy

verb

en·​joy in-ˈjȯi 

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

in-ˈjȯi-ə-bəl 

en-

adjective

enjoyableness noun

enjoyably

in-ˈjȯi-ə-blē 

en-

adverb

enjoyer noun

Phrases

enjoy oneself

: to have a good time

Synonyms

• adore
• delight (in)
• dig
• fancy
• get off (on)
• groove (on)
• like
• love
• rejoice (in)
• relish
• revel (in)
• savor
• savour

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

While the show ran long this year, IndieWire’s review greatly enjoyed this year’s sincere and silly show as hosted by O’Brien in his first (and hopefully not final) stint. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2025

The best work-from-home companies also enjoy: Better productivity and focus: The work environment plays a significant role in productivity and focus. —Bob Helbig, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025

Meghan enjoys beekeeping… Accompanied by bright closeups of yellow flowers, the series begins with Meghan watching as beekeeper Branden Aroyan pries open a beehive to harvest the honey inside. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025

Lana Condor enjoys her sweet reunions with former costar Noah Centineo. —Jack Smart, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for enjoy

• ahoy
• alloy
• annoy
• carboy
• convoy
• cowboy
• decoy
• deploy
• destroy
• employ
• employe
• kilroy

Kids Definition

enjoy

verb

en·​joy in-ˈjȯi 

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

-ə-bəl 

adjective

enjoyableness noun

enjoyably

-blē 

adverb