entity

noun en·ti·ty \ ˈen-tə-tē , ˈe-nə- \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of entity

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

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See entity defined for kids

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 of entity from the Web

The Trump administration has placed a series of sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, including ones last month targeting Russian oligarchs who are close to President Vladimir Putin.

— carol morello, Washington Post, "Nikki Haley says new sanctions coming on Russia," 15 Apr. 2018
The Trump administration has placed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, including penalties last month targeting Russian oligarchs who are close to President Vladimir Putin.

— the washington post, AL.com, "New sanctions on Russia coming, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley says," 15 Apr. 2018
The Trump administration has placed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, including penalties last month targeting Russian oligarchs who are close to President Vladimir Putin.

— bob warren, NOLA.com, "Flush by flush, Canada collecting marijuana data: report," 15 Apr. 2018
Each entity conducts several disaster preparedness drills each year, but this annual exercise brings everyone together and gives them a chance to coordinate their plans and communications.

— naseem s. miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Central Florida hospitals, agencies practice for potential terrorist attack," 12 Apr. 2018
The Treasury Department has designed 38 Russian individuals and entities in all.

— CBS News, "Trump administration targets Putin's inner circle in new sweeping sanctions," 6 Apr. 2018
Since June 2000, more than 2,000 individuals and entities have been named under the Kingpin Act for their roles in international narcotics trafficking.

— jim wyss, miamiherald, "U.S. sanctions Venezuelan-Italian photographer for running cartel prostitution ring | Miami Herald," 6 Apr. 2018
That sanctions list also targeted individuals and entities the administration said were involved in cyber-attacks, including the 2017 NotPetya attack, described as the most damaging in history.

— Fortune, "Trump Administration Is Said to Be Planning Sanctions on Russian Tycoons," 5 Apr. 2018
That sanctions list also targeted individuals and entities the administration said were involved in cyber-attacks, including the 2017 NotPetya attack, described as the most damaging in history.

— saleha mohsin, Bloomberg.com, "U.S. Plans Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs This Week, Official Says," 5 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of entity

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1596

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

entity Synonyms

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

ENTITY Defined for English Language Learners

entity

noun

Definition of entity for English Language Learners

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

Medical Dictionary

entity

noun en·ti·ty \ ˈen(t)-ət-ē \

medical Definition of entity

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

Law Dictionary

entity

noun en·ti·ty \ ˈen-ti-tē \

legal Definition of entity

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