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

• being
• commodity
• existent
• individual
• individuality
• integer
• object
• reality
• something
• substance
• thing

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

The streamlining power of the new Optum-Change entity, a corporate press release promised, would mean better outcomes, lower costs, and improved experiences for everyone. —Erika Fry, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024

Both entities jointly asked the judge to limit their liability for the accident to $43.7 million – the equivalent of the total value of the ship and its freight, minus the cost of repairs and salvage – in accordance with the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851. —USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024

What is the General Conference? General Conference — the only entity that can speak for the entire denomination — is a business meeting where delegates set policy, pass budgets and address other church-wide matters. —CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024

Once completed, the new entity would be the fourth largest luxury company in the world, with a combined market share of around 5.1% of the luxury goods market, according to research firm GlobalData PLC. —Anne D'innocenzio, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2024

Seamless integration requires that one entity be in charge of leading coordination among 27 agencies. —Ian Griffiths, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024

This effectively prohibits all educational entities in receipt of federal funds from acknowledging biological reality when individuals dispute it. —Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 19 Apr. 2024

The Kroenke Group, a subsidiary of billionaire Stan Kroenke’s real estate firm, is the entity’s lead investor and limited partner. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

Judith Regan heads Regan Arts, a book publishing and production entity. —Judith Regan, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

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

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