activity

noun

ac·tiv·i·ty | \ ak-ˈti-və-tē

plural activities

Definition of activity

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

5a : 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about activity

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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 on the Web

The couple, who work in finance, wanted a place to come during July and August, where their two teenage boys could have plenty of freedom and access to activities. — Nancy Hass, ELLE Decor, "This Brian J. McCarthy-Designed Hamptons Home is Filled with the Unexpected," 13 Mar. 2019 The young princess hasn't confined herself to outdoor activities, though. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Princess Leonore Just Turned 5, and the Swedish Royal Family Celebrated by Sharing a Sweet New Photo," 21 Feb. 2019 Unfortunately, everybody had the same outdoor activity in mind. — Kaitlin Menza, House Beautiful, "The Brooklyn Bridge Got Dangerously Crowded This Holiday," 30 Dec. 2018 Issuing a new interpretation, the agency stated that the act’s protections apply only to activities that purposefully kill birds, giving industries a free pass for bird deaths, including those from major oil spills. — Sarah Greenberger, Vox, "I worked in the Interior Department. Watching Zinke’s tenure was heartbreaking.," 21 Dec. 2018 For those high-demand events, there’s tons of activity in the secondary market. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Former Ticketmaster CEO Nathan Hubbard explains why live venues are leaving money on the table," 11 Oct. 2018 Many of us go through our daily routines without giving a second thought to how challenging many everyday activities — like a beauty regimen — can be for those with disabilities. — Marci Robin, Allure, "A New Makeup Brand Is Making Mascara Wands More Accessible for People With Disabilities," 22 Mar. 2019 Other activities include wine dinners, featuring a local farm, a celebrated chef and winery. — Hannah Seligson, Town & Country, "The Best Room At," 8 Mar. 2019 Just like any holiday, Easter is a mix of delicious food, fun (egg-themed) activities, and quality time spent with family and friends. — Nicol Natale, Woman's Day, "What's Open on Easter Sunday? Here's Where to Go for All of Your Last-Minute Needs," 5 Mar. 2019

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.

History and Etymology for 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 active entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

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Dictionary Entries near activity

activity group psychotherapy

Statistics for activity

Last Updated

10 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for activity

The first known use of activity was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for activity

activity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of activity

: 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

See the full definition for activity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

activity

noun

ac·tiv·i·ty | \ ak-ˈti-və-tē

plural activities

Kids Definition of activity

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.

activity

noun

ac·tiv·i·ty | \ ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē

plural activities

Medical Definition of activity

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 the activity of a catalyst