amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt 

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

Synonyms of amusement

• entertainment
• recreation

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

The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which oversees safety inspections of amusement and carnival rides, has also launched an investigation of the roller coaster. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Brian Avery, a University of Florida professor and amusement ride safety expert, agrees that more federal regulations are needed. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner oversees amusement ride safety requirements, including permits and inspections. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

To Reynolds, Mai was an embodiment of the universal nobility of humanity – a far cry from Westminster Magazine’s depiction of the islander as no more than a cheap amusement. — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing amusement

• amusement arcade
• amusement park
• to one's amusement

Kids Definition

amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt 

1

: something that amuses

2

: the condition of being amused