Search Dictionary
Definition of entertainment

entertainment

/ˌɛn.tɚˈteɪn.mənt/
en · ter · tain · ment
Adverb:entertainingly
•
Plural:entertainments
•
Adjective:entertaining
JUMP TO:

entertainment Lexical Profile

entertainment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment, or an event, performance, or activity designed to give pleasure to an audience.

Example

"The festival offers live music, theater, and other forms of family entertainment."

2

The hospitable reception and treatment of guests or strangers, especially through the provision of food, drink, and social company.

Example

"A modest budget was allocated for the official entertainment of visiting foreign diplomats."

3

The act of holding an idea, proposal, or feeling in the mind for consideration.

Example

"The committee's brief entertainment of the proposal gave the applicants a glimmer of hope."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for entertainment
Antonyms
View all antonyms for entertainment

• Rhymes for entertainment

• Nearby Words

entertainer
entertaining
entertainingly
entertainment
enthrall
enthralling
enthrallment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French entretenement, from entretenir ('to hold together, support, or maintain'), ultimately from Latin inter ('among') and tenere ('to hold'). It originally meant the maintenance of a person in service or the hospitable reception of guests before shifting to mean amusement.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Entertainment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/entertainment
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.