It's Merriam-Webster's word of the day for October 24th.

Today's word is regale, spelled R-E-G-Aale is a verb. It's a somewhat formal word that means to entertain

or amuse by telling stories, describing experiences, etc.

It's often followed by with. Here's the word used in a sentence from the

Republic of Columbus, Indiana by Brian Blair.

She'll bring loads of bamboo pieces and parts for people to create take-home art.

Nudge her only slightly, and she will regale you with stories of bamboo art contests, the health

and medicinal benefits of bamboo, and even the documented sensory benefits of youngsters

working with bamboo.

Regale has been an English verb since the early half of the 1600s, having been adapted from the French word Regalee.

That word traces back to the middle French verb galet which means to have a good time.

Gala meaning a festive celebration is from the same source. Today Regale still applies when someone is entertaining

or amusing another, especially by sharing stories. Regale also sometimes functions

as a noun, meaning a sumptuous feast.

An early use of the noun appears in the preface to a 1732 dramatic poem by George Granville

in these words,

an English stomach will rise hungry from a regale of nothing but sweetmeats.

With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit Marion Webster. Today, for definitions, word play, and trending word lookups.