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.
Guests can stroll to the winery patio to enjoy by-the-glass specials, vineyard views, lawn games, and fried chicken sandwiches from local favorite MJ Heritage Farms to kick off a Calistoga weekend. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The show first launched in 1996 and enjoyed nine seasons that culminated with a 2005 finale. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025 The area around the bungalow is perfect for beach lovers who want to spot wildlife and enjoy playing in pristine, gentle water. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025 This deal sees a $500 chunk taken out of the retail price, and even those who aren’t the most creative will enjoy the versatility of this laptop. PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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