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

When the urge for a little retail therapy arises, year-round shopping and entertainment complexes like The Market Common, Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach offer everything from mini golf and craft breweries to amusement rides and movie theaters. —Lisa A. Beach, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

To us, comedy should not be a fleeting source of amusement, but a vessel for emotion and reflection. —Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025

Her amusement eventually faded. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

The segment quickly drew attention, spawning a series of viewer comments expressing amusement, confusion and sometimes frustration at his word choice. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

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