verb
amuse
uh-MYOOZ
verb
1
To entertain someone or make them laugh or smile.
"The clown amused the children with silly faces."
"His stories always amuse the whole office."
2
To occupy someone’s attention pleasantly, keeping them busy or distracted.
"She amused herself with a crossword while waiting for the train."
How to Use Amuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make someone laugh, smile, or pass the time pleasantly.
Common pairings
amuse yourself
amuse the crowd
easily amused
Word Forms
amused past tense, amuses singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “amuse”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The clown _____ the children with silly faces.
Etymology
From Old French amuser, "to stupefy or occupy the mind," ultimately of uncertain origin.