entertainment
en-tur-TAYN-muhnt/ˌɛn.tɚˈteɪn.mənt/UKen-tuh-TAYN-muhnt/ˌɛn.təˈteɪn.mənt/
- 1Things like shows, music, and games that people watch or do for fun.
Like a good movie or a fun game that makes the time fly by.
The clowns provided plenty of entertainment for the children at the party.
We watched movies and played games for entertainment all weekend.
UsageUsually no a: a form of entertainment, lots of entertainment.
Note
- 2Looking after guests, for example by giving them food and drink.
I prithee, shepherd, if that love or gold Can in this desert place buy entertainment, Bring us where we may rest ourselves and feed.
c. 1598, William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”Here, entertainment means a welcome with food and a place to rest.Note
- 3The care or money given to keep a person or thing supported.
Note
Less common meanings
- 4The pay given to soldiers or servants for their work.
The entertainment of the general upon his first arrival was but six shillings and eight pence.
1612, John Davies, Discoverie of the True Causes why Ireland was never entirely subduedHere, entertainment means pay or wages given for service.Note
- 5Being taken on to work for someone, and the work you then do for them.
He must think us some band of strangers i' the adversary's entertainment.
1601, William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends WellHere, entertainment means being employed in someone's service, working for them.Note
Practice
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Origin
From a Middle English word for support or upkeep, which came from Old French. It is made from "entertain" plus "-ment".