entourage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “entourage” mean?
The group of people who accompany and assist an important or famous person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The group of people who accompany and assist an important or famous person.
A group of people who are with or follow someone, typically implying a retinue, staff, or close associates. Can also refer more generally to a surrounding group or environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in US media and celebrity culture reporting.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; perhaps more prevalent in American entertainment journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “entourage” in a Sentence
[Person] + has/arrived with/travels with + an entouragethe entourage of + [Important Person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used critically to describe a CEO perceived as having too many personal assistants.
Academic
Very rare; used in historical or sociological contexts describing royal courts.
Everyday
Uncommon; used when discussing celebrities or very important people.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entourage”
- Incorrect pronunciation (e.g., en-TOOR-ij).
- Using it for any group of friends (lacks the hierarchy/fame element).
- Spelling: entouage, enturage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be descriptive ('the royal entourage') or slightly negative, implying excessive, showy followers.
Only humorously or ironically, as it implies you are the central, important figure they revolve around. For a normal group of friends, use 'friends', 'mates', or 'crew' (informal).
It comes from French, based on 'entourer' meaning 'to surround'. It entered English in the 19th century.
Yes, the show perfectly illustrates the concept: a young movie star and the close group of friends from his hometown who accompany him in his Hollywood life.
The group of people who accompany and assist an important or famous person.
Entourage is usually formal, journalistic in register.
Entourage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒn.tʊ.rɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːn.tʊˈrɑːʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To travel with an entourage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOUR with an ENTOURage: a group that goes on tour with a star.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CENTRAL PERSON IS A SUN / THE ENTOURAGE IS A PLANETARY SYSTEM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'entourage' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?