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

Cooking classes, yoga lessons, meditation experiences, and live entertainment are also vacation activities that enhance the body and the spirit. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

The Rancho Cordova City Council approved an additional $40,000 in funding for a traffic analysis of the future downtown arena project, set to bring arena soccer and other entertainment to the city. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

This film went through several changes before ultimately landing as a home entertainment release. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Worldwide rights outside the initial theatrical release—including VOD, digital, home entertainment, and international distribution—are being handled by TriCoast Worldwide. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 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