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

The document lays out a 90-day compliance agenda, which features a realistic baseline for tier visibility, entity list screening and a documentation stress test that was developed based on a real-life CBP inquiry. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

As part of Banijay and All3Media’s merger, which closed in July, the new joint entity inherited All3Media’s stand, which has been renamed Banijay Terrace and is being used for overspill. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

One of those entities, Prince Legacy LLC, recently became embroiled in litigation when some of Prince’s heirs sought to fire the managers who had been hired to manage their share of the intellectual property rights. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

The bloc unveiled its largest sanctions package to date on Monday against entities accused of supporting Russia’s war efforts. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 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