Engagement

Pronunciation

Origin

French engagement.

Noun

1. (countable) an appointment, especially to speak or performThe lecturer has three speaking engagements this week.
2. (uncountable) connection or attachmentCheck the gears for full engagement before turning the handle.
3. (countable or uncountable) the period of time when marriage is planned or promisedWe are enjoying a long engagement, but haven't yet set a date.
4. In any situation of conflict, an actual instance of active hostilities.The engagement resulted in many casualties.
5. (fencing) the point at which the fencers are close enough to join blades, or to make an effective attack during an encounter.After engagement it quickly became clear which of the fencers was going to prevail.

Derived terms

• engagement ring