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 conversion to a charter school -- which are public schools run by their districts, as opposed to outside entities -- will allow Hall students to work at their own pace, McGee said Thursday, while focusing on competency and skills. —Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 14 Nov. 2025

Adapted from the November-December 2025 edition of our print magazine, this roundup features some of the latest findings from academia, consultancies, and other research entities—and details how those findings might impact your company. —Por Hbr Editors, Harvard Business Review, 13 Nov. 2025

The current Padres ownership group, which includes at least 10 people or entities, bought the team in 2012 for $800 million. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2025

This landmark move made the country the first in the world to recognize ecosystems as living entities with legal rights. —Simmone Shah, Time, 13 Nov. 2025

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