divertissement

[ dih-vur-tis-muhnt; French dee-ver-tees-mahn ]

noun

, plural di·ver·tisse·ments [dih-, vur, -tis-m, uh, nts, dee-ve, r, -tees-, mahn].

1. a diversion or entertainment.
2. Music. divertimento.
3. a short ballet or other performance serving as an interlude in a play, opera, etc.
4. a program consisting of such performances.

divertissement

/ dɪˈvɜːtɪsmənt; divɛrtismɑ̃ /

noun

1. a brief entertainment or diversion, usually between the acts of a play
2. music
   1. a fantasia on popular melodies; potpourri
   2. a piece or pieces written to be played during the intervals in a play, opera, etc
   3. another word for divertimento

Word History and Origins

Origin of divertissement¹

1720–30; < French, equivalent to divertisse- (stem of divertir to divert ) + -ment -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of divertissement¹

C18: from French: entertainment

Related Words

• amusement
• art
• avocation
• craft
• diversion
• fad
• fun
• obsession
• specialty
• sport