entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

ˌin-

1

a

: amusement or diversion provided especially by performers

hired a band to provide entertainment

b

: something diverting or engaging: such as

(1)

: a public performance

(2)

: a usually light comic or adventure novel

2

: the act of entertaining

3

a

archaic : maintenance, provision

b

obsolete : employment

Synonyms of entertainment

• amusement
• recreation
• enjoyment
• production
• diversion

Examples of entertainment in a Sentence

Entertainment was provided by jugglers.

plays, movies, and other forms of entertainment

They played games in the evening for entertainment.

plays, movies, and other entertainments

Recent Examples on the Web

Activities and entertainment Most passengers on Star Breeze are content to sit in the pool sipping cocktails, or snuggling in a clamshell lounger with a good book. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Comedian, actor, and entertainer Bill Bellamy will be presented with the Icon Award at the 2026 Whats Funny Comedy Festival, recognizing his decades of excellence and impact on stand-up comedy and entertainment. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026

She’s also given Genesis, an aspiring actress, pieces of wisdom that she’s collected over her decades in the entertainment industry. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026

In June, an LA County Superior Court judge rejected the majority of the entertainment venue's arguments. — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing entertainment

• entertainment value
• non-entertainment

Rhymes for entertainment

• ascertainment
• arraignment
• attainment
• containment
• entrainment
• sustainment

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

1

: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement

2

: a means of amusement or recreation

especially : a public performance