amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
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

Example Sentences

I'm reading this novel for amusement. Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.
Recent Examples on the Web In the context of a contested presidential election, Roman’s desire to pull little stunts for his own amusement end up having potentially huge social consequences. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Anchorage Daily News, 27 May 2023 Kentucky Kingdom is the state's largest amusement and water park, spanning 67 acres of family-friendly fun and features more than 70 rides and attractions. Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 10 May 2023 The hospital had already paid the $207 for Johnson’s premium graduation package, which covered Antonio’s cap and gown, his prom ticket, the yearbook, a T-shirt, and the eighth grade class trip to Kings Dominion, an amusement and water park in Virginia. Lizzie Johnson, Washington Post, 3 May 2023 The district allowed Disney to raise taxes and set zoning regulations to build the popular amusement center and pay for roads, sewers, fire service and other municipal services needed to run the resort. Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2023 According to research conducted by Jonah Berger and Katherine L. Milkman, professors at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, content that evokes emotions like awe, amusement, anxiety and anger is shared the most. Karan Sharma, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023 Kristin does things differently, and that can be a source of amusement as well as confusion. Peter Debruge, Variety, 12 Apr. 2023 Laughter in response to amusement is a healthy coping mechanism. Janet M. Gibson, CNN, 1 Apr. 2023 His role is pivotal as a heroic and charismatic young man who inspires his friends to use their powers for more than just their own amusement. Ken Simmons, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amusement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of amusement was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near amusement

Cite this Entry

“Amusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amusement. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

amusement

noun
amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
1
: something that amuses
2
: the condition of being amused

More from Merriam-Webster on amusement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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