entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
1
a
: amusement or diversion provided especially by performers
hired a band to provide entertainment
b
: something diverting or engaging: such as
(1)
: a public performance
(2)
: a usually light comic or adventure novel
2
: the act of entertaining
3
a
archaic : maintenance, provision
b
obsolete : employment

Examples of entertainment in a Sentence

Entertainment was provided by jugglers. plays, movies, and other forms of entertainment They played games in the evening for entertainment. plays, movies, and other entertainments
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, online shopping, healthcare, education and entertainment will increasingly benefit from this type of personalization. Ashish Sukhadeve, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The couple have since shot into superstardom, with their high-profile relationship quickly becoming a major topic in both the sports and entertainment worlds. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Photo : Petr Wiese/Mountain Home Photo A pool table is alongside an entertainment center. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024 Johnston has worked for more than 20 years years in the entertainment industry. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entertainment 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entertainment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near entertainment

Cite this Entry

“Entertainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertainment. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun
en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
1
: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement
2
: a means of amusement or recreation
especially : a public performance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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