entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

ˌin-

1

a

: amusement or diversion provided especially by performers

hired a band to provide entertainment

b

: something diverting or engaging: such as

(1)

: a public performance

(2)

: a usually light comic or adventure novel

2

: the act of entertaining

3

a

archaic : maintenance, provision

b

obsolete : employment

Synonyms of entertainment

• amusement
• recreation
• enjoyment
• production
• diversion

Examples of entertainment in a Sentence

Entertainment was provided by jugglers.

plays, movies, and other forms of entertainment

They played games in the evening for entertainment.

plays, movies, and other entertainments

Recent Examples on the Web

Smart Axe opened its first location in Rancho Cordova in 2019, bringing the entertainment concept to the Sacramento area. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Known for his charm on screen and dedication to guiding younger performers off it, Parker is remembered by colleagues and fans alike for his warmth, humor and lasting impact on the entertainment community. —Kennedy French, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

The towns of Monterey, McDowell, and Blue Grass are tucked into west-central Virginia and serve as hubs for the festival’s entertainment and vendors, keeping folks fed and occupied. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing entertainment

• entertainment value
• non-entertainment

Rhymes for entertainment

• ascertainment
• arraignment
• attainment
• containment
• entrainment
• sustainment

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt 

1

: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement

2

: a means of amusement or recreation

especially : a public performance