amusement

American  

[uh-myooz-muhnt] / əˈmyuz mənt /

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

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amusement British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• self-amusement noun

Etymology

Origin of amusement

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

Example Sentences

Williams’ shift from prostrate grief to helpless amusement hints at hidden dimensions of a character who will always be a couple of steps ahead of the men trying to control her.

From Los Angeles Times

One diarist, Samuel Bamford, gave up a warehouse job to become a weaver and wrote that the change gave him leisure time to enjoy “country amusements with the other young fellows.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He just continues to stare at me, amusement dancing behind his eyes.

From Literature

Mater Lumley sipped her coffee with a look of private amusement.

From Literature

Ridge was bouncy and smiley, like a kid going to an amusement park.

From Literature

Related Words

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