entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
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

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
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.
Chloe Melas Chloe Melas is an entertainment correspondent for NBC News. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025 Originally from Austin, TX, Ben feels right at home in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of Northwest Arkansas. Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025 These days, entrepreneurial sorts are likely to flee entertainment for the booming pastures of AI. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025 The Brazilian celebration is the latest in the Globes’ mission to expand its footprint around the world by hostling events in major international entertainment hubs, celebrating local storytelling and highlighting regional talent on the global stage. William Earl, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertainment

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of entertainment was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Entertainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertainment. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun
en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
1
: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement
2
: a means of amusement or recreation
especially : a public performance

More from Merriam-Webster on entertainment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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