What does regaling mean?
Regaling means entertaining or delighting someone, often in a generous or lavish way. The word can describe someone providing exceptional hospitality, such as a host offering guests an elaborate meal, lively entertainment, or an absorbing account of experiences. It may also function as an adjective meaning pleasant, delightful, or entertaining, as in a 'regaling performance' or 'regaling story.' Its tone is formal and literary, carrying a sense of generosity and spectacle rather than merely providing ordinary amusement. The word is especially useful because it combines the idea of enjoyment with a sense of abundance and attention. Although its root is connected with kingship, its modern use focuses on the pleasure a person receives from being entertained or lavishly treated.
To entertain or delight someone, especially with lavish hospitality, generosity, or entertainment.
"The performers regaled the crowd with acrobatics, music, and comedy."
Usually used in continuous constructions with forms of 'be,' especially when describing hospitality or entertainment.
Pleasing, delightful, or entertaining.
"The regaling production received enthusiastic reviews."
Literary in register and especially common before nouns such as 'story,' 'performance,' or 'feast.'
Regaling carries a royal streak: its roots mean 'of or belonging to a king,' fitting for entertainment that makes someone feel grandly treated.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regaling come from?
Regaling is the present participle of regale, a verb meaning to entertain or please lavishly. The word ultimately comes through French from Latin regalis, meaning 'of or belonging to a king,' which is based on rex, 'king.' The same royal root underlies words such as regal, regalia, and royalty, reflecting the grand associations that the verb developed.
Related word forms
How regaling is actually used
Regaling is formal to literary in style. As a verb form, it commonly appears in continuous constructions such as 'is regaling someone with'; as an adjective, it is usually placed before a noun.
Easily confused with regaling
Regale is the base verb meaning to entertain or please lavishly, while regaling is its present-participle form or an adjective describing something delightful.
Regal means royal or suitable for a monarch, whereas regaling refers to entertaining, pleasing, or lavishly hosting someone.