amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
1
: a means of amusing or entertaining
what are her favorite amusements
2
: the condition of being amused
could not hide his amusement
3
: pleasurable diversion : entertainment
plays the piano for amusement

Examples of amusement in a Sentence

I'm reading this novel for amusement. Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.
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.
Especially not for a few minutes worth of amusement. Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 The short clip has garnered more than 660,000 views and over 183,000 likes to date, drawing both widespread sympathy and amusement from viewers on TikTok. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 The principal use of the section above the wasp waist will be amusement: an observatory, the staircase, and a thrill ride that will plunge visitors nearly 300 feet in 90 seconds. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 6 June 2025 The village said the last increase in the amusement tax was in 2017, when it was increased to 5% from 4%. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for amusement

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of amusement was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amusement. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

amusement

noun
amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
1
: something that amuses
2
: the condition of being amused

More from Merriam-Webster on amusement

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