entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē 

ˈe-nə-

plural entities

1

a

: being, existence

especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence

b

: the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes

2

: something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality

3

: an organization (such as a business or governmental unit) that has an identity separate from those of its members

Synonyms

• being
• commodity
• existent
• individual
• individuality
• integer
• object
• reality
• something
• substance
• thing

Examples of entity in a Sentence

One division of the company was broken off as a separate entity.

the question of whether extrasensory perception will ever be a scientifically recognized entity

Recent Examples on the Web

All for-profit activities of OpenAI and its related entities should be paused to protect investors and consumers alike. —Alex Heath, The Verge, 14 Dec. 2024

Companies, government entities, and even our military will need to think carefully about mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Sudol will formally join the team starting Jan. 6 and will oversee all revenue-producing departments for the organization across its entities including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte FC (MLS) and Bank of America Stadium. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 13 Dec. 2024

An annuity is a contract between a buyer and an insurance company or other entity that provides a steady income stream in return for paying premiums in a lump sum or as monthly payments. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin entitas, from Latin ent-, ens existing thing, from coined present participle of esse to be — more at is

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing entity

• flow-through entity
• pass-through entity

Kids Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē 

plural entities

: something existing or thought of as existing as a separate and independent thing

Medical Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen(t)-ət-ē 

plural entities

: something (as a disease or condition) that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality

whether the common cold is an entity has been debated

—Year Book of Medicine

Legal Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-ti-tē 

plural entities

: an organization (as a business or governmental unit) that has a legal identity which is separate from those of its members see also alter ego, instrumentality, juridical person, legal person, pierce