Definition of activity
activities
1 : the quality or state of being active : behavior or actions of a particular kind physical activity criminal activity economic activity
2 : vigorous or energetic action : liveliness a scene of excitement and activity
3 : natural or normal function: such asa : a process (such as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being aliveb : a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function; specifically : an educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience
4 : an active force
5a : a pursuit in which a person is active business activities social activitiesb : a form of organized, supervised, often extracurricular recreation The camp offers hiking, swimming, and other activities.
6 : an organizational unit for performing a specific function; also : its function or duties the restaurant inspection activity of the health department
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of activity in a Sentence
The holidays always set off a lot of activity in our home.
the sexual activity of married couples
The police are now monitoring criminal activity in the area.
She gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
The instruments are used to detect volcanic activity on the island.
We planned an activity for the children.
Recent Examples of activity from the Web
-
Despite the frantic political activity in Westminster—the briefing, back-stabbing and plotting—the country has made remarkably little progress since the referendum in deciding what form Brexit should take.
-
Early next year, a $20 million U.S. study will begin rigorously testing if some simple day-to-day activities truly help older adults stay sharp.
-
Year-round Indiana schools may be on way out There are childcare considerations, after-school activities and busing logistics to weigh.
-
But last month, Floridians for Accountability, which had reported no political activity for two years, disclosed $147,000 in contributions — and started going after Taddeo, a translation business owner who has lost four previous elections.
-
Teens at the Taste began four years ago as a way to give youth their own activities during the festival, Collins said.
-
The plaintiffs also allege that company officials knew, or should have known, about the climate impacts of their activities.
-
This interactive workshop is designed for family members, including children, with fun activities and great tips for better communication and how to resolve conflict from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alvin Sherman Library at NSU, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd.
-
A portion of each member’s joining fee is directed to the club’s philanthropic activities in support of arts access and education.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'activity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of activity
see active
ACTIVITY Defined for English Language Learners
activity
playDefinition of activity for English Language Learners
-
: the state of being active : behavior or actions of a particular kind
-
: something that is done as work or for a particular purpose
-
: something that is done for pleasure and that usually involves a group of people
ACTIVITY Defined for Kids
activity
playDefinition of activity for Students
activities
1 : energetic action There is always activity around the holidays.
2 : something done especially for relaxation or fun Summer camp provides a variety of activities for kids.
Medical Dictionary
activity
playMedical Definition of activity
activities
1: natural or normal function: asa: a process (as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being aliveb: a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function; specifically : an educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience
2: the characteristic of acting chemically or of promoting a chemical reaction the activity of a catalyst
Learn More about activity
-
See words that rhyme with activity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for activity Spanish Central: Translation of activity Nglish: Translation of activity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of activity for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about activity
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up activity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!