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

With summer in full swing and three home games on the horizon, the Birmingham Legion FC soccer team is offering a number of special promotional activities and events for July. — Cheryl Wray, al, "Birmingham Legion FC launches ‘Summer of Soccer’ promotions," 12 July 2019 At the camp, about 30 teachers, 60 assistant teachers and 170 junior volunteers lead the kids through various activities and experiments. — Jane Stueckemann, Houston Chronicle, "25th anniversary of WOW! science camp in The Woodlands brings animals, experiments to campers," 12 July 2019 Soccer games, kids' activities and a fashion show are also on the menu. — Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "6 things you should be doing in Milwaukee this weekend, starting with Bastille Days," 11 July 2019 Free tickets for Aberdeen IronBirds minor league baseball games are available to Aberdeen residents who fill out a form on the city’s webpage to sign up for city emails about activities and news. — baltimoresun.com, "Aberdeen: Free IronBirds tickets available to city residents," 11 July 2019 Any activity in the Gulf this time of year bears close monitoring, and this is no exception. — Leigh Morgan, al.com, "NWS in Mobile shares thoughts on could-be Barry and why you can’t ‘anchor’ with this one," 9 July 2019 Saratoga Senior Center: The center offers social activities and services, weekly lunches and classes. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "West Valley calendar of events for the week of July 12," 7 July 2019 And wellness is promoted all across campus through education programs, exercise activities and even comedy nights. — Dallas News, "How this Texas college gives every single student help with trauma, mental health," 6 July 2019 The practice fields were bursting with activity and players on Wednesday, especially when compared to last week when the club's ranks had thinned to an all-time low. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati bet big on the MLS SuperDraft. So far, it's been a smart gamble.," 3 July 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

17 Jul 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