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

While developing a proposal for Arrowhead, LeVota said, the county plans to reach out to business district leaders and business owners near the stadium, along with potential outside entities with development expertise. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026

Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026

As of their most recent public filings, the two entities have combined holdings of mortgage securities worth more than $230 billion. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

Records show it was sold by a partnership of three real estate entities, one of which was run by Jeff Barton, owner of the former Crazy Mountain Brewing space in Baker. —Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 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