entity

noun

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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

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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 Besides the council action, an entity called the Land Trust Bank agreed to sell City of Lakes trust two north Minneapolis commercial properties near North 35th and Penn avenues. — Dee Depass, Star Tribune, "Whittier neighborhood property being redeveloped in first-of-kind deal with Mpls.," 3 Feb. 2021 In medicine and science, there is the concept of a catalyst, an entity or substance that creates a chemical reaction that can be lasting, permanent, transformative. — Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, "Music’s first responder: How Yo-Yo Ma answered the pandemic’s call and consoled a reeling nation," 27 Jan. 2021 CiCi’s plans to hand ownership of the company to its lender, an entity controlled by SSCP Management and Gala Capital Partners, the company said in a statement. — Bloomberg Wire, Dallas News, "CiCi’s pizza chain parent company files for bankruptcy, but plans a quick exit," 26 Jan. 2021 The Oversight Board is an independent entity funded by Facebook. — Steven Levy, Wired, "Facebook's Oversight Board to Decide on Trump Ban," 21 Jan. 2021 The commercial space firm, through an entity called Lonestar Mineral Development, bought the platforms from offshore drilling company Valaris in July, according to public filings. — Brandon Lingle, Chron, "SpaceX to convert offshore oil platforms into spaceports," 21 Jan. 2021 The British group has captured the rage, sadness, and power of Black existence in 2020, and then subtracted any potential celebrity by remaining an intentionally faceless entity. — Natalie Maher, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Best Songs of 2020," 29 Dec. 2020 After serving some relief meals for unemployed restaurant workers and trying takeout service, the restaurant closed for good in August, and the Giving Kitchen spun off into an independent entity. — New York Times, "The Restaurants We’ve Lost," 28 Dec. 2020 Skillz merged with Flying Eagle Acquisition Corporation, an entity formed by the same group that took fantasy-sports company the DraftKings public through a similar vehicle. — Carolyn Said, SFChronicle.com, "IPOs are hot in Silicon Valley. SPACs are even hotter," 24 Dec. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

20 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Entity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entity. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

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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

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