entertainment

noun

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

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

• 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

Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and educational programming from community partners are some of the activities offered. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025

This information including any specific securities mentioned is for educational, entertainment and illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any individual security. —David Thomas, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Everything about England’s Test cricket in the three dizzying years since Rob Key urged supporters to strap themselves in and enjoy the ride has been about entertainment. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Raphaël, however, believes 2-D content may soon feel as dated as pre-Technicolor entertainment. —Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 12 July 2025

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