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

Many of the major activities surrounding the event, such as the coaches’ convention and concerts and entertainment, would be held in Kansas City, Missouri. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

In 2019, Roc Nation signed on to consult the NFL on live music entertainment and the social justice initiative Inspire Change, which aims to reduce barriers to opportunity, especially in underserved communities. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

On the first floor, the main entrance leads to an open living and dining area, an entertainment lounge and two kitchens, one dry and one wet. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

In his role as live music entertainment strategist and social justice adviser, Jay-Z has effectively been responsible for selecting the talent that graces the halftime show stage for the last few years. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 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