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

This solid no-annual-fee card earns 3% cash back in a variety of categories, including grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 July 2026

The mash-fest seems to fit the streamer’s sweet spot of entertainment-heavy sporting events, though if anything, its presentation of the derby felt surprisingly subdued in comparison to past spectacles. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

The legendary British metal band has announced a partnership with Swedish entertainment company Pophouse, which has acquired the rights to Iron Maiden’s name, image and likeness as well as select intellectual property. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 14 July 2026

Over the years, in addition to its Daytime Emmy victory, the franchise has won a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award (in 2016, for entertainment programming), two Cine Golden Eagle Awards, several Webby Awards and Telly Awards. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 July 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