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

Most importantly of all, forcing a change of location would risk losing these vital, revenue-producing entertainment businesses, who already pay some of the highest amusement taxes in the country, altogether. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Stewart concluded by joking that his final act of objetophilia had taken place in the very theater where the gala was being held, much to the audience’s dismay and amusement. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Family members of patients and others with ties to Eloise have argued against offering for-profit amusement at a site where vulnerable people suffered. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Lisa lets a dolphin named Snorky escape from Marine World after seeing his trainers taunt him for the amusement of slack-jawed yokels. — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 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