entity

noun

en·ti·ty | \ ˈen-tə-tē

, ˈe-nə-\

plural entities

Definition of entity

1a : being, existence especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence

b : the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes

2 : something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality

3 : an organization (such as a business or governmental unit) that has an identity separate from those of its members

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about entity

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of entity in a Sentence

One division of the company was broken off as a separate entity. the question of whether extrasensory perception will ever be a scientifically recognized entity

Recent Examples on the Web

As is true of most climate policy, there is likely no silver bullet for turning the DNC from a fossil-fuel-donation-accepting corporate entity into a representative committee responsive to the needs of its voters. — Natasha Geiling, The New Republic, "Make Democratic Leaders Pay for Their Climate Cowardice," 3 Sep. 2019 The top donation recipient was the DNC Services Corp., a Democratic Party entity; followed by GOPAC and the National Republican Congressional Committee. — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Olive Garden disputes claim that it donated to Trump's reelection campaign," 26 Aug. 2019 That meant Vann had to reincorporate it as a separate entity. — Marc Bona, cleveland.com, "Rough Rider Room to open near Jolly Scholar Monday," 22 Aug. 2019 Through resounding head-to-head victories and by luring away elite west coast recruits, Alabama has played a central role — as significant as any single entity — in the Pac-12’s disappearance from college football’s main stage. — Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Pac-12 finds unlikely ally: Nick Saban wants tougher schedules," 15 Aug. 2019 Shari Redstone, whose family investment vehicle National Amusements Inc. controls both companies, would become chairman of the combined entity, the people said. — Nabila Ahmed, BostonGlobe.com, "CBS and Viacom worked into night to hammer out a deal," 12 Aug. 2019 Shari Redstone, whose family investment vehicle National Amusements Inc. controls both companies, would become chairman of the combined entity, the people said. — Nabila Ahmed, Fortune, "CBS and Viacom Are Said to Be Close to Agreeing on a Price for Their Merger," 12 Aug. 2019 Shari Redstone, whose family investment vehicle National Amusements controls both companies, could become chairman of the combined entity, the people said, adding that no final decision has been made. — Washington Post, "Malaysia charges Goldman executives," 10 Aug. 2019 The name of the entity and any other potential partners have not been identified. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "GM edges toward a potential sale of Lordstown plant," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'entity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about entity

Dictionary Entries near entity

Statistics for entity

Last Updated

6 Sep 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for entity

The first known use of entity was in 1596

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for entity

entity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of entity

formal : something that exists by itself : something that is separate from other things

See the full definition for entity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

entity

noun

en·ti·ty | \ ˈen(t)-ət-ē

plural entities

Medical Definition of entity

: something (as a disease or condition) that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality whether the common cold is an entity has been debated — Year Book of Medicine

entity

noun

en·ti·ty | \ ˈen-ti-tē

plural entities

Legal Definition of entity

: an organization (as a business or governmental unit) that has a legal identity which is separate from those of its members — see also alter ego, instrumentality, juridical person, legal person, pierce