amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt 

1

: a means of amusing or entertaining

what are her favorite amusements

2

: the condition of being amused

could not hide his amusement

3

: pleasurable diversion : entertainment

plays the piano for amusement

Synonyms of amusement

• entertainment
• recreation

Examples of amusement in a Sentence

I'm reading this novel for amusement.

Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet El-Sayed speaks about the controversy with something approaching amusement. — Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026

Quassy tickets start at just $33 for all-day access to either the amusement or waterpark. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Down a dark stairway is the murky world of Bronc’s Tack Room bar, a cavern with pool tables and the usual Stockyards amusements. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026

Galarza finished the match so worked up that, much to Mbappe’s amusement, the Paraguay midfielder tackled a corner flag. — Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing amusement

• amusement arcade
• amusement park
• to one's amusement

Kids Definition

amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt 

1

: something that amuses

2

: the condition of being amused