entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

ˌin-

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 of entertainment

• amusement
• recreation
• enjoyment
• production
• diversion

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

Maryland's largest city is doubling down on its entertainment. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

There will also be craft beer, cocktails and other summer drinks; a live DJ and entertainment all night long; and people’s choice voting. — Jonathan Shikes, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026

His daughters have fond memories of meeting iconic entertainment-industry figures at the restaurant as children. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing entertainment

• entertainment value
• non-entertainment

Rhymes for entertainment

• ascertainment
• arraignment
• attainment
• containment
• entrainment
• sustainment

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