engaged

American  

[en-geyjd] / ɛnˈgeɪdʒd /

adjective

1. busy or occupied; involved.

   deeply engaged in conversation.

2. pledged to be married; betrothed.

   an engaged couple.

3. under engagement; pledged.

   an engaged contractor.

4. entered into conflict with.

   desperately engaged armies.

5. Mechanics.

   1. interlocked.

   2. (of wheels) in gear with each other.

6. Architecture. (of a distinct member) built so as to be truly or seemingly attached in part to the structure before which it stands.

   an engaged column.

---

engaged British  

/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪdlɪ, ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd /

adjective

1. pledged to be married; betrothed

2. employed, occupied, or busy

3. architect built against or attached to a wall or similar structure

   an engaged column

4. (of a telephone line) already in use

---

Other Word Forms

• engagedly adverb
• engagedness noun
• unengaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of engaged

First recorded in 1605–15; engage + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Sauer therefore engaged in his first bit of linguistic legerdemain, telling the court, “ ‘Allegiance’ is what jurisdiction means.”

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Instead, the justices spent the hearing as they customarily do, engaged in a complex and legalistic discussion about how to analyze ambiguous text and how to weigh historical evidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

They were engaged shortly thereafter, followed by an intimate wedding at her mother’s estate in Southampton.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

“We’re engaged with a range of prospective customers across AI-native companies, enterprises, and research institutions.”

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

In the mornings he seemed much engaged with business, and, in the afternoon, gentlemen from Millcote or the neighbourhood called, and sometimes stayed to dine with him.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Related Words

• absorbed
• committed
• employed
• engrossed
• interested
• involved
• occupied
• preoccupied
• working