enjoyment

play

noun en·joy·ment \ in-ˈjȯi-mənt , en- \

Definition of enjoyment

1 a :the action or state of enjoying

b :possession and use

the enjoyment of civic rights

2 :something that gives keen satisfaction

the poorest life has its enjoyments and pleasures

See enjoyment defined for English-language learners

See enjoyment defined for kids

Examples of enjoyment in a Sentence

She always found sports to be a source of great enjoyment.
I read the book strictly for my own enjoyment.
the enjoyment of good health
This is land set aside for the public's enjoyment.

Recent Examples of enjoyment from the Web

Mrs. Snee provided experiences for her elementary students that encouraged a positive attitude toward learning and reading for personal enjoyment and recreation.

— The Aegis, "Snees inducted into Harford Educator Hall of Fame," 11 Aug. 2017
But the enjoyment of crime fiction also aligns with a desire to see justice served.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Why Men Pretend to Be Women to Sell Thrillers," 3 Aug. 2017
Frontgate Pineapple Outdoor Fan and Misting Kit: $279 for fan and $34.50 for misting kit; frontgate.com Outdoor fans will definitely increase your enjoyment of your deck on a hot day.

— jamie gold, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cooling trends for your home," 27 July 2017
But underneath any awkwardness is potential secret enjoyment.

— megan friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "6 Things We Learned From the Game of Thrones Panel at Comic-Con," 21 July 2017
A wedding is also a stunningly efficient way to contrast the rich inner life of the narrator with the soul-eating vacuity of those who throw themselves with abandon into the planning or the enjoyment of the Happy Day.

— rosa lyster, The Cut, "Why Weddings in Books Are Always Terrible," 20 July 2017
And yes, your enjoyment will definitely be enhanced by an encyclopedic knowledge of musical theater.

— Chicago Reader, "Something Rotten, The Project(s), and eight more new stage shows to see now," 19 July 2017
If enacted, the policy will prohibit students from forming private clubs for the sake of discussion and enjoyment, among less salutary things.

— noah daponte-smith, National Review, "Harvard Aims to Restrict the Freedom of Association," 14 July 2017
Benefit concerts and local events frequently transform the enjoyment of music into another chance to raise a buck for Planned Parenthood.

— alexandra desanctis, National Review, "Planned Parenthood’s Lavish Private Donations," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enjoyment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of enjoyment

1553

enjoyment Synonyms

Synonyms

control, possession, hands, keeping

Antonyms

nonpossession

Related Words

ownership, proprietorship; authority, command, dominion, mastery, power; repossession, retention; claiming, collaring, commandeering, confiscation, procurement

Near Antonyms

dispossession, relinquishment, surrendering, transferal

ENJOYMENT Defined for English Language Learners

enjoyment

play

noun

Definition of enjoyment for English Language Learners

: a feeling of pleasure caused by doing or experiencing something you like
: the condition of having and using something that is good, pleasant, etc.
enjoyments : things that give you pleasure

ENJOYMENT Defined for Kids

enjoyment

play

noun en·joy·ment \ in-ˈjȯi-mənt \

Definition of enjoyment for Students

1 :the action or condition of getting pleasure or satisfaction from something

The land is set aside for public enjoyment.

2 :something that gives pleasure

life's simple enjoyments

Law Dictionary

enjoyment

noun en·joy·ment

legal Definition of enjoyment

:personal benefit, use, or possession (as of rights or property)

widows and widowers were relegated to lifetime enjoyment of the marital estates
—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

; specifically :the receipt of the fruits or profits of property — see also right of use, usufruct

Learn More about enjoyment

See words that rhyme with enjoyment Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enjoyment Spanish Central: Translation of enjoyment Nglish: Translation of enjoyment for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enjoyment for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up enjoyment? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

enjoyment

Definition of enjoyment

People Are Reading

Examples of enjoyment in a Sentence

Recent Examples of enjoyment from the Web

First Known Use of enjoyment

enjoyment Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

ENJOYMENT Defined for English Language Learners

enjoyment

Definition of enjoyment for English Language Learners

ENJOYMENT Defined for Kids

enjoyment

Definition of enjoyment for Students

Law Dictionary

enjoyment

legal Definition of enjoyment

Learn More about enjoyment

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066