amusement

[ uh-myooz-muhnt ]

noun

1. anything that amuses or entertains; pastime:

   The park offers authentic Danish charm and an array of amusements and thrill rides.

   Synonyms: game

2. the act of amusing or entertaining; diversion:

   He invented indoor golf games for his own amusement, and for the amusement of his children.

3. the state of being amused; enjoyment:

   Mom couldn't hide her amusement when my little sister tried to make dinner.

   Synonyms: delight

amusement

/ əˈmjuːzmənt /

noun

1. something that amuses, such as a game or other pastime
2. a mechanical device used for entertainment, as at a fair
3. the act of amusing or the state or quality of being amused

Other Words From

• self-a·muse·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of amusement¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French; amuse, -ment

Example Sentences

Left largely unexamined has been the universe of private police at hospitals, universities, amusement parks and other venues.

From ProPublica

I don’t own shares in the company, but I do own a bike, which my wife, to her continued amusement, had to persuade me strenuously to buy.

From Fortune

In the first season of the TV show Westworld, the human protagonist visits a dystopian amusement park populated by hyper-realistic androids.

From Nautilus

Their refusal to not comment has lowered the quality of your sex life for no other reason than their amusement.

From Ozy

Little things like taking them out to the movies, taking them to restaurants and amusement parks and other places.

From Science News For Students

Related Words

• delight
• diversion
• enjoyment
• hilarity
• laughter
• pleasure