amenity

noun

ame·​ni·​ty ə-ˈme-nə-tē  -ˈmē- 

plural amenities

1

: something that helps to provide comfort, convenience, or enjoyment

hotels with modern amenities

providing residents with the basic amenities

2

usually amenities : something (such as a conventional social gesture) that promotes smoothness or pleasantness in social relationships

maintaining social amenities

3

a

: the quality of being pleasant or agreeable

b(1)

: the attractiveness and value of real estate or of a residential structure

(2)

: a feature conducive to such attractiveness and value

Synonyms

• attention
• civility
• courtesy
• formality
• gesture
• pleasantry
• politeness

Examples of amenity in a Sentence

The hotel has every amenity you could want.

an unhappy, bickering couple who, at least in public, observe all the amenities of polite behavior

Recent Examples on the Web

The English-style home was decked out in luxe amenities like a living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, an eight-seat movie theater with its own candy bar, and a saltwater swimming pool with a waterslide. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024

The first chunk of that plan debuted this winter with the new East Village base: home to several new restaurants, shopping, other skier amenities (like a ski school and rentals shop), as well as this glittering Grand Hyatt. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024

Premium homes offer enhanced luxury and amenities, such as private gyms and saunas. —Caroline Tell, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The 56,000 square-foot property, which comes equipped with every luxury amenity imaginable, has been on and off the market for 12 years. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amenite, from Latin amoenitat-, amoenitas, from amoenus pleasant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Kids Definition

amenity

noun

ame·​ni·​ty ə-ˈmen-ət-ē  -ˈmē-nət- 

plural amenities

1

: the quality of being pleasant or agreeable

2

: something (as good manners or household appliances) that makes life easier or more pleasant

—usually used in plural