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

Executives recognize that what works today may not have as much value in the future, given the pace of change in technology and entertainment. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Jan. 2025

Tickets start at $49 and general one-day tickets offer visitors a chance at seeing Holiday in the Park, which starts at 5 p.m. and features dazzling lights and festive entertainment. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Fireworks won't be the only entertainment in the sky across parts of the nation on New Year's Eve as the northern lights are predicted to make an appearance to close out the year. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024

WalletHub released its list of the most fun and affordable cities in the U.S. after conducting research across all 50 states in the categories of entertainment and food, cost, safety and accessibility. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing entertainment

• entertainment value
• non-entertainment

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