regale

[ ri-geyl ]

verb (used with object)

, re·galed, re·gal·ing.

1. to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight.
2. to entertain with choice food or drink.

verb (used without object)

, re·galed, re·gal·ing.

1. to feast.

noun

1. Rare. a sumptuous feast.
2. Archaic. a choice article of food or drink.
3. Archaic. refreshment.

regale

/ rɪˈɡeɪl /

verb

1. to give delight or amusement to

   he regaled them with stories of his youth

2. to provide with choice or abundant food or drink

noun

1. archaic.
   1. a feast
   2. a delicacy of food or drink

Derived Forms

• reˈgalement, noun

Other Words From

• re·galement noun
• re·galer noun
• unre·galed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regale¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from French régaler, derivative of régal(e), Old French rigale, derivative of gale “festivity” (with prefix of rigoler “to amuse oneself”), derivative of galer “to make merry”; gallant

Word History and Origins

Origin of regale¹

C17: from French régaler , from gale pleasure; related to Middle Dutch wale riches; see also gala

Example Sentences

She’s been at it since her grandparents earned free beers in exchange for the young Squibb’s tap dancing on varnished-wood bars in Vandalia, Ill. Squibb can regale you with tales of working on cruise ships, in regional theater and on film and TV.

From Los Angeles Times

On the show, which airs every day, a collection of guest hosts regale listeners with shadowy tales of the evils of the left, of the global power structures plotting against American patriots, and of the immigrants who threaten the very stability of the country.

From Slate

He loves to regale his crowds with lurid, detailed accounts of violent crimes allegedly committed by undocumented migrants and goes to great lengths to present such isolated incidents as evidence of an unprecedented crime spree.

From Salon

He turned instead to trying to make her laugh, which proves an ideal origin story for someone who would go on to regale audiences with his unique comic skills.

From Los Angeles Times

I never met Shales, but when I thanked him for reviewing my biography of David Letterman, he was kind enough to regale me with some war stories, and this advice: “Try not to let The Times suffocate you.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• amuse
• entertain