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

Piker reacted with surprise and amusement to his unexpected appearance during a livestream. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

After his initial amusement, a vague concern lodged itself in his throat, coloring his words. — Hisham Matar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Evanston’s significantly lower amusement tax than is applied in Chicago. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, a legendary figure in the game and not known to smile often, was among the staff drafted in to help dress Arrow for the occasion — much to Arrow’s own amusement. — Michael Bailey, New York Times, 4 Sep. 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