What does entertainment mean?
Entertainment refers to anything designed to amuse, divert, or hold the interest of an audience — from films, television, music, theatre, and sport to games, books, and live performance. It can denote both the activity itself (the pleasure of being entertained) and the specific shows or events that provide that pleasure, as in 'a night of first-class entertainment'. The word is also used collectively for the businesses that produce such content, most prominently in phrases like 'the entertainment industry'. Derived from Old French entretenir and ultimately Latin tenēre, 'to hold', entertainment carries connotations of engagement — something that holds our attention rather than merely filling time. It is a versatile, neutral term found across everyday speech, journalism, and commerce alike.
nounThe action of providing or receiving amusement, enjoyment, or diversion, typically through performances, shows, games, or other activities. Also, a performance, show, or event designed to amuse an audience.
- Public performances, shows, broadcasts, or events (films, music, games, theatre) created to amuse or interest an audience.
- The act or experience of being amused or diverted; enjoyment.
- Hospitality or the act of receiving and looking after guests (now somewhat dated).
"The city offers entertainment for every taste, from street theatre to opera."
"Streaming platforms have transformed how we consume entertainment at home."
"The wedding reception provided wonderful entertainment for guests of all ages."
The plural is rare and somewhat formal, referring to multiple distinct shows, performances, or diversions.
"The seaside town offered various entertainments throughout the summer season."
The word 'entertainment' comes from Latin roots meaning 'to hold together' — originally, entertaining someone meant literally keeping them occupied and held in attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entertainment
Entertainment entered English in the early 15th century from Old French 'entretenir', formed from Latin 'inter-' (among) plus 'tenēre' (to hold), originally conveying the sense of maintaining or holding someone's attention. Its earliest English senses related to maintenance, hospitality, and the reception of guests, with the modern meaning of amusement developing over the 16th and 17th centuries. It shares its Latin root with words like maintain, sustain, and tenant.
Related word forms
How entertainment is actually used
'Entertainment' is neutral in register and used freely in both formal and informal contexts. In its sense of 'hospitality towards guests', it now sounds old-fashioned or formal. The word is uncountable when referring to amusement in general ('an evening of entertainment') but countable for individual shows or performances ('a lively entertainment').
Easily confused with entertainment
'Entertainment' is the noun denoting the amusement itself or the industry producing it, while 'entertaining' is primarily an adjective describing something that holds one's interest.