activity

noun ac·tiv·i·ty \ ak-ˈti-və-tē \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of activity

plural 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 as

a : a process (such as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being alive

b : a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function; specifically : an educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience

4 : an active force

5 a : a pursuit in which a person is active

business activities

social activities

b : 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

See activity defined for English-language learners

See activity defined for kids

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

Face painters, balloon artists, and arts and crafts activities will add to the fun, and a DJ will be spinning tunes.

— Houston Chronicle, "Enjoy Elyson’s Great Get-Together picnic on Saturday, April 14," 8 Apr. 2018
Indiana was one of 26 states with less-intensive regional flu activity.

— dwight adams, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana flu deaths have nearly tripled to 304 this season," 7 Apr. 2018
Indian authorities have also shown extraordinary interest in monitoring and controlling citizens’ financial activity.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "India and Pakistan Tell Banks to Cut Ties to Cryptocurrency," 7 Apr. 2018
There’s also clothes, an Arts Village, and children’s activities.

— maddie crichton, Los Angeles Magazine, "Your Definitive Guide to L.A. Farmers Markets, By Neighborhood," 6 Apr. 2018
Not a lot to choose from activity-wise, but what’s here should be a good time.

— trevor fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Florida Film Festival: April 6," 6 Apr. 2018
On-track activities got underway on Friday with Cup practice from noon to 12:55 p.m., Xfinity practice sessions (1:05 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. and 3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.) and then Cup qualifying at 4:35 p.m.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Headed out to Texas Motor Speedway? Here's what you need to know | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 6 Apr. 2018
Flu activity remains widespread - which is the highest category -- throughout Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Flu season 2018 lasting longer than normal, strain B hitting now," 6 Apr. 2018
The announcement came just a day after a government agency ordered Bersatu, a political party founded in 2016 by Mahathir Mohamad, a former prime minister who is now leader of the main opposition coalition, to suspend activities.

— The Economist, "Malaysia's government calls an election," 6 Apr. 2018

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

Middle English actyvete "active life," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French activité "power of acting, exercise of this power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctīvitāt-, āctīvitās (Late Latin, "active form of a verb"), from Latin āctīvus ¹active + -itāt-, -itās -ity

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

activity Synonyms

Synonyms

conditioning, exercise, exertion;

Related Words

training, warm-up, workout;

toning, trimming;

aerobics, athletics, bodybuilding, calisthenics, gymnastics, isometrics, weight lifting;

ACTIVITY Defined for English Language Learners

activity

noun

Definition 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

noun ac·tiv·i·ty \ ak-ˈti-və-tē \

Definition of activity for Students

plural 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

noun ac·tiv·i·ty \ ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē \

medical Definition of activity

plural activities

1 : natural or normal function: as

a : a process (as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being alive

b : 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