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

Ruffalo has found support from several progressive Jewish figures beyond the entertainment industry, including IfNotNow co-founder Simone Zimmerman, Israeli Holocaust historian Raz Segal and Jewish Currents editor Peter Beinart. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026

Dozens protested the bar’s liquor license renewal, citing noise from live entertainment and overcapacity crowds outside the property. — Christopher Scarglato, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026

Even with newer forms of entertainment available, fairs continue to thrive, and some are more popular than ever. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Soldiers used their expertise in strategy, logistics and siege techniques not only for warfare, but also for this vast entertainment industry. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 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