entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

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

Synonyms

• amusement
• distraction
• diversion
• recreation

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

While some infotainment systems are better than others, many drivers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto daily to access navigation and entertainment for their drives. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 May 2025

The company provides capital to media and entertainment businesses, including motion picture studios, independent production companies and other rights-holders. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 May 2025

Beyond the lantern release, the festival offers an array of food via food trucks, shopping, and entertainment. —Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

In addition, racing and daily training will provide year-round economic activity, entertainment and jobs for the Park Heights community. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing entertainment

• entertainment value
• non-entertainment

Rhymes for entertainment

• ascertainment
• arraignment
• attainment
• containment
• entrainment
• sustainment

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

1

: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement

2

: a means of amusement or recreation

especially : a public performance