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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The teams at SpringHill and Fulwell 73, whose partners include James Corden, are looking at what’s happening in the media and entertainment sector and believe that consolidation would create a stronger entity rather than leaving each separately, one source said. Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Buy Now 14 of 20 'Sisters of the Lost Nation' by Nick Medina Darkness descends on the Native American reservation where Anna was raised, and her ability to see a nameless entity suddenly takes on even more horrifying meaning. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 As these are separate accounts, the hacker would need to compromise them as separate entities. Davey Winder, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The system was also designed to preserve the states as distinct entities, reflecting the federal system. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entity 

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 14 Nov. 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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