entertainment

noun

en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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 Music takes center stage in Anchorage’s entertainment landscape this weekend. Anchorage Daily News, 2 June 2023 Kite Fly: The Naperville Park District’s annual Kite Fly, with professional kite flying demonstrations, a family flying area, games, live musical entertainment and food trucks, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Drive. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2023 With the proximity to the new cricket stadium, Lone Star Park and Grand Prairie’s other entertainment draws, the city is also looking at potential hotel projects. Steve Brown, Dallas News, 1 June 2023 Michele Corriston has 10 years of experience in digital media, with a focus on entertainment and pop culture news. Michele Corriston, Peoplemag, 1 June 2023 Related Stories Tom Bergeron Posts About Tyra Banks Leaving 'DWTS' Tom Bergeron Reacts to Julianne Hough’s Host News Editorial Assistant As the entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 1 June 2023 Watertown Riverfest: Music, craft fair and family entertainment, Aug. 10-13. Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 1 June 2023 The upper screen handles functions such as navigation, audio controls, and other entertainment features while the lower one provides access to vehicle settings, climate control, and the like. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 31 May 2023 It was purchased in 2021 by the nonprofit Julian Community Heritage Foundation, which is now raising funds to transform the lot into a year-round park and outdoor entertainment space. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entertainment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of entertainment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near entertainment

Cite this Entry

“Entertainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertainment. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

entertainment

noun
en·​ter·​tain·​ment ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
1
: the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement
2
: a means of amusement or recreation
especially : a public performance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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