entertainment

[ en-ter-teyn-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of entertaining; entertaining; agreeable occupation for the mind; diversion; amusement:

   Solving the daily crossword puzzle is an entertainment for many.

2. something affording pleasure, diversion, or amusement, especially a performance of some kind:

   The highlight of the ball was an elaborate entertainment.

3. hospitable provision for the needs and wants of guests.
4. a divertingly adventurous, comic, or picaresque novel.
5. Obsolete. maintenance in service.

entertainment

/ ˌɛntəˈteɪnmənt /

noun

1. the act or art of entertaining or state of being entertained
2. an act, production, etc, that entertains; diversion; amusement

Other Words From

• nonen·ter·tainment noun adjective
• preen·ter·tainment noun
• self-enter·tainment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of entertainment¹

First recorded in 1525–35; entertain + -ment

Example Sentences

Thousands of entertainment company workers have been laid off in the last four years in seemingly endless waves of restructuring.

From Los Angeles Times

South Korea’s entertainment industry is known for its high-pressure environment, where celebrities are held to strict standards over their appearances and behaviour.

From BBC

Released on Tuesday, Nov. 19, "Cher: The Memoir, Part 1" peels the layers back on one of entertainment's most fascinating talents.

From Salon

“That’s one of my main goals as an actor, to bring light to people’s life, enjoyment and entertainment, a departure, an escape from the mundane realities of day-to-day life.”

From Los Angeles Times

The $7-billion spinoff comes as traditional media companies grapple with the diminishing value of what was once an economic pillar of the entertainment businesses.

From Los Angeles Times