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

Since 2021, the Premier League has also had Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, aimed at commercial deals between clubs and entities tied to their owners. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Repeat players are individuals or entities familiar with the IDR process, knowledgeable about documentation standards and capable of using the IDR process strategically. — Christine Cooper, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Dodik has repeatedly called for the separation of the Bosnian Serb entity and its unification with Serbia, a call that has triggered fears of a revival of war-time ethnic tensions. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

The city previously approved potentially using the receivership process to put control of the property into the hands of another entity that could advance redevelopment. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 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