WordGarden.ioentertainment
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɛntətˈeɪnmənt/
US
- /ˌɛnərˈteɪnmənt/
Meanings
Noun
performances, shows, media, or activities meant to amuse or interest an audience
amusement, enjoyment, or interest provided by something
the business or industry that produces shows, music, media, and performances
Beyond the definition
Entertainment is anything that provides amusement, pleasure, or distraction. It's the reason we go to movies, listen to music, read books, or play games — a welcome escape from everyday life.
Think of a bustling carnival with bright lights and thrilling rides — that's entertainment! But it doesn't have to be grand. A funny story told by a friend, a captivating conversation, or even a silly cat video can all provide entertainment. The context matters; what one person finds entertaining, another might not. Shakespeare wrote plays for the entertainment of audiences, and today we still find his work incredibly engaging.
Entertainment encompasses any activity designed to hold the attention of an audience — whether that's a single person or a massive crowd. It's about providing amusement, pleasure, or simply a diversion from daily routines and worries. The forms entertainment takes are vast and varied, evolving with culture and technology.
Historically, entertainment was often live: storytelling around a campfire, musical performances in town squares, and theatrical productions performed for royalty. Today, it's dominated by mass media — television, film, music streaming, video games, and social media. But the core purpose remains the same: to engage, delight, and provide an enjoyable experience.
The concept of entertainment isn't always frivolous. Educational documentaries can be entertaining and informative. Political satire uses humor for entertainment while also offering commentary on current events. Even a challenging puzzle or a thought-provoking book can be considered entertainment if it provides mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Consider the phrase "dinner and a movie." The dinner satisfies a basic need, but the movie is specifically chosen for entertainment. Or think about a comedian — their job is to provide entertainment through humor. Ultimately, entertainment is subjective; what one person finds captivating, another might find boring. But its power to connect us, inspire us, and offer respite from life's challenges remains undeniable.
Examples
- 1
Rainy weekends
On rainy weekends, books were our main entertainment.
- 2
Hotel services
The hotel provides evening entertainment for its guests.
- 3
Public event
There will be live entertainment in the town square tonight.
- 4
Games
The game is simple, but it offers hours of entertainment.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Purpose
His videos are mainly for entertainment, not education.
- Patternfor entertainment
for fun, not for a serious purpose
- 6
Travel
During the long flight, podcasts were my only entertainment.
- 7
Industry
She has worked in the entertainment industry for over ten years.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- live entertainment
- family entertainment
- entertainment industry
- provide entertainment
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- entertainmentnoun
Forms
- entertainmentspluralnoun