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infotainment

noun

in·​fo·​tain·​ment ˌin-(ˌ)fō-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce infotainment (audio)
: television programs that present information (such as news) in a manner intended to be entertaining

Did you know?

Infotainment, a blend of "information" and "entertainment," first appeared in the early 1980s. Not everyone approves of "infotainment" and similar pieced-together, media-derived words (e.g., "infomercial" and "edutainment"), however. New York Times Magazine writer Joe Morgenstern referred to "infotainment" as "a plastic word, stuck together with show-biz epoxy." An editorialist for a New England newspaper called it "a nauseating word" that "has crept into the language without an invitation." Unfortunately for such detractors, the word continues to be used today. Not only that, but a new, distinct sense of the word is emerging. People in the automotive industry have recently begun using "infotainment" to refer to the state-of-the-art multimedia technologies (such as GPS systems and Internet radio) now available to drivers at the push of a button.

Examples of infotainment in a Sentence

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.
The cockpit lacks an infotainment screen, but there is USB charging plus a phone holder. New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025 Its Italian luxury heritage is apparent, but the GranTurismo Folgore EV also feels very futuristic thanks to plenty of advanced tech features and settings that are accessible via its 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025 Verstappen’s name also appears in the car’s infotainment, alongside that of his manager, Raymond Vermeulen. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025 Packed with plenty of tech, the standard Honda 9-inch infotainment system is utilized in our Civic Hatchback Hybrid Sport Touring and was easy to use as the color display was simple and nicely apportioned for all age ranges. Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infotainment

Word History

Etymology

information + entertainment

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infotainment was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Infotainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infotainment. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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