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

Goodtime, originally with celebrity backing from musician Pharrell Williams and entertainment mogul David Grutman, was auctioned off by lenders in a foreclosure action earlier this year. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Most recently, Phillips has consulted for a number of entertainment leaders including Apple TV, Disney, New Regency, Lionsgate, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and Black Bear. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 July 2026

Don’t expect country music and cheerleaders in 2030, but expect plenty of non-soccer entertainment. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

To top it off, the garage on the lower deck doubles as a storage spot for a 25-foot-plus tender and a full-beam entertainment area. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 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