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

The mainstay of the AI law is to set boundaries on AI and the use of biometric data such as fingerprints, eye retina recordings, and voiceprints, though this is aimed at government entities and not necessarily private sector organizations, and to prohibit using AI in untoward ways. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

The proposal cited two reports that bemoaned the multiple, often overlapping and sometimes competitive, state and local entities that govern the schools. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

The fleet is a compilation of aging vessels and tankers owned by nontransparent entities with addresses in non-sanctioning countries, and sailing under flags from such countries. —Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026

The disease afflicts individuals as well as corporate entities. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 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