Entertainment consists of any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time. Entertainment is generally passive, such as watching opera or a movie. Active forms of amusement, such as recreations or sports, are more often considered to be recreation. Activities such as personal reading or practicing a musical instrument are considered to be hobbies.

Noun

entertainment (plural entertainments)

1. An activity designed to give pleasure or relaxation to an audience, no matter whether the audience participates passively as in watching opera or a movie, or actively as in games.
   • 1957 William O. Douglas, Roth v. United States:

     The delinquents are generally the adventurous type, who have little use for reading and other non-active entertainment.

2. a show put on for the enjoyment or amusement of others
3. (obsolete) maintenance or support
   • 1854? Charles Dickens, The Seven Poor Travellers:

     "This," said the matronly presence, ushering me into a low room on the right, "is where the Travellers sit by the fire, and cook what bits of suppers they buy with their fourpences." "O! Then they have no Entertainment?" said I. For the inscription over the outer door was still running in my head, and I was mentally repeating, in a kind of tune, "Lodging, entertainment, and fourpence each."

4. Admission into service; service.
   • 1601-1608 William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well:

     He must think us some band of strangers i' the adversary's entertainment.

5. (obsolete) Payment of soldiers or servants; wages.
   • Sir John Davies

     The entertainment of the general upon his first arrival was but six shillings and eight pence.

Derived terms

• entertainment industry