entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē How to pronounce entity (audio)
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

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 One, going to food pantries, aid organizations, advocacy groups for homeless people, public welfare entities, and faith communities. Subramaniam Vincent, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 If Amendment 2 is passed, the legislature could steer money to other entities, including private or charter schools. Veda Morgan, The Courier-Journal, 3 Oct. 2024 Joseph Reiver, the garden’s executive director, said in a statement in July that non-profit entity governing the garden and its event program appealed the eviction decision. Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 3 Oct. 2024 Schools are overseen by various entities, including the state, the Bureau of Indian Education, or operate as grant, charter, private or tribal schools. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of entity was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near entity

Cite this Entry

“Entity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entity. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

entity

noun
en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē How to pronounce entity (audio)
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 How to pronounce entity (audio)
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 debatedYear Book of Medicine

Legal Definition

entity

noun
en·​ti·​ty ˈen-ti-tē How to pronounce entity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on entity

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