entertainment

American  

[en-ter-teyn-muhnt] / ˌɛn tərˈteɪn mənt /

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.

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entertainment British  

/ ˌɛntəˈteɪnmənt /

noun

1. the act or art of entertaining or state of being entertained

2. an act, production, etc, that entertains; diversion; amusement

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Other Word Forms

• nonentertainment noun
• preentertainment noun
• self-entertainment noun

Etymology

Origin of entertainment

First recorded in 1525–35; entertain + -ment

Example Sentences

As chief executive, Iger believed it was his job to manage the image of the world’s best-known entertainment brand, according to people who worked with him.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’m convinced that many people embrace conspiracy theories as a form of entertainment.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, families were smaller, with fewer children to monitor, and new forms of entertainment like the internet and videogaming were increasingly popular.

From MarketWatch

Discovery, continuing its attempt to beat out Netflix to acquire the entertainment company.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is why I always prepare at least three setup options for entertainment portraits.

From Los Angeles Times