entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē 

ˈe-nə-

plural entities

1

a

: being, existence

especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence

b

: the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes

2

: something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality

3

: an organization (such as a business or governmental unit) that has an identity separate from those of its members

Synonyms of entity

• object
• substance
• reality
• individual

Examples of entity in a Sentence

One division of the company was broken off as a separate entity.

the question of whether extrasensory perception will ever be a scientifically recognized entity

Recent Examples on the Web

Then when the state gives that money back to those same entities to pay for Medi-Cal services, the federal government reimburses the state for 50% or more of those payments. —Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

The union pitch for pay parity comes as the city marks the 30th anniversary of the shotgun wedding that merged EMS and FDNY into a single entity back in 1996. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

An entity with ties to the Neumanns has purchased several properties throughout El Portal, including the Rader church. —Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, countless government entities emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to green energy and a carbon net-zero future. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin entitas, from Latin ent-, ens existing thing, from coined present participle of esse to be — more at is

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing entity

• flow-through entity
• pass-through entity

Rhymes for entity

• identity
• nonentity

Kids Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē 

plural entities

: something existing or thought of as existing as a separate and independent thing

Medical Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen(t)-ət-ē 

plural entities

: something (as a disease or condition) that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality

whether the common cold is an entity has been debated

—Year Book of Medicine

Legal Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-ti-tē 

plural entities

: an organization (as a business or governmental unit) that has a legal identity which is separate from those of its members see also alter ego, instrumentality, juridical person, legal person, pierce