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

• object
• substance
• reality
• individual

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

As a for-profit entity, how can the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel accept donations? —Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

This benefits taxpayers, who gain from better care access and lower tax burdens when target entities are successfully turned around, but bear no financial risk if investments fail. —Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

According to Martin, France’s state film entity CNC has given its approval for the film to be on the shortlist of titles from which the country will pick its contender for the Oscars race. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

None of the persons nor entities subject to the order are prohibited from making statements that inform the public of the dates of upcoming court hearings or the rulings of the court, according to the order. —Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for entity

• identity
• nonentity

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