entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē 

ˈe-nə-

plural entities

1

a

: 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 of entity

• object
• substance
• reality
• individual

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

Oral arguments Several of the conservative justices repeatedly raised concerns that the nondiscrimination rule was effectively a back-door way to keep religious entities out of the universal preschool program. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Ackman wants the conservatorship to end, arguing the entities would be worth multiples of their current valuation if they were freed from government control. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Valenti went on to front the successful Journey tribute band Voyage, and now leads an entity called Hugo – The Ultimate Journey Tribute. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

The entity then asked the court to compel the city to disclose them, and Marshall agreed to do so last month. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin entitas, from Latin ent-, ens existing thing, from coined present participle of esse to be — more at is

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing entity

• flow-through entity
• pass-through entity

Rhymes for entity

• identity
• nonentity

Kids Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē 

plural entities

: something existing or thought of as existing as a separate and independent thing

Medical Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen(t)-ət-ē 

plural entities

: 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

Legal Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-ti-tē 

plural entities

: 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