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

Ted Turner, the television and media mogul who launched CNN -- the first 24-hour cable news network -- and a roster of successful TV and entertainment brands, has died, according to the network. —Patricio Chile, ABC News, 6 May 2026

The company’s entertainment streaming operation posted an 88% leap in operating income, reaching $582 million. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 May 2026

Football fans will also be happy to hear that the hotel is within walking distance of The Star, an entertainment district anchored by the Dallas Cowboys practice facility (several tour options offer a behind-the-scenes look). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

Fundraiser helps defray cost of entertainment and city fees associated with Dinner Under the Stars 2026 Season. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 6 May 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