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

Attempting to explain away what had happened, Watson regaled the courtroom with "Leave It to Beaver"-style stories of his upbringing.

From Salon

Instead, he regaled readers with the tale of how his mother’s cat, Gabbro, went missing in London.

From New York Times

Although he may delight in regaling his fellow denizens with tales of his days at sea, Thorfinn’s tough exterior belies his innate affection and desire for human connection.

From Los Angeles Times

President Joe Biden's son has been a fixture at the right-wing media outlet, where on-air personalities have regaled viewers with tales of Hunter's past drug addiction and forays with sex workers.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• amuse
• entertain