ENTERTAINMENT • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Entertainment

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/ˌɛntərtˈeɪnmənt/ /ˌɛnərtˈeɪnmənt/ Listen

noun

Entertainment n.

1.

The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or cherishing; hospitable reception; also, reception or treatment, in general. "The entertainment of Christ by faith." "The sincere entertainment and practice of the precepts of the gospel."

2.

That which entertains, or with which one is entertained; as:

(a)

Hospitality; hospitable provision for the wants of a guest; especially, provision for the table; a hospitable repast; a feast; a formal or elegant meal.

(b)

That which engages the attention agreeably, amuses or diverts, whether in private, as by conversation, etc., or in public, by performances of some kind; amusement. "Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement."

3.

Admission into service; service. "Some band of strangers in the adversary's entertainment."

4.

Payment of soldiers or servants; wages. (Obs.) "The entertainment of the general upon his first arrival was but six shillings and eight pence."

Synonyms: Amusement; diversion; recreation; pastime; sport; feast; banquet; repast; carousal.

See images of 'Entertainment'

Etymology of 'Entertainment'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Entertainment" Quotes from Famous Books

... caravanserai. The concentration of five columns had taxed the capabilities of the little hostel beyond endurance. All that they could furnish was milk and butter. But they were prepared to cook any food that was brought, so with an effort it was possible to arrive at a meal. There was no lack of entertainment, however. One of the columns had sent out 300 men and a pompom in pursuit of Hertzog's fugitives, and the force had just returned with quite a haul of prisoners. They had come across the rearmost of them as they were in the act ...

— On the Heels of De Wet • The Intelligence Officer

... dissertation, all the time having the feeling that perhaps through his lack of experience his identification was not aright, he usually preferred to remain in ignorance. It is in the belief that all Nature Lovers, afield for entertainment or instruction, will be thankful for a simplification of any method now existing for becoming acquainted with moths, that this ...

— Moths of the Limberlost • Gene Stratton-Porter

... tenderest that ever looked love, the brightest that ever flashed sunlight. Montaigne and Charles Lamb are egotists of the Z. class, and the world never wearies reading them: nor are egotists of the X. school absolutely without entertainment. Several of these the world reads assiduously too, although for another reason. The avid vanity of Mr. Pepys would be gratified if made aware of the success of his diary; but curiously to inquire into the reason of that success, why ...

— Dreamthorp - A Book of Essays Written in the Country • Alexander Smith

... was now stationed in the hall, and a short concert closed the evening's entertainment, which was allowed, by all, to be the most high-toned affair ever given in ...

— The Further Adventures of Quincy Adams Sawyer and Mason's Corner Folks • Charles Felton Pidgin

... showman, who, besides playing "The Mountain Maid and the Shepherd's Bride," exhibited part of the tall of Balaam's ass, the helm of Noah's ark, and the tartan plaid in which Flora McDonald wrapped Prince Charlie. More select entertainment, such as Shuffle Kitty's wax-work, whose motto was, "A rag to pay, and in you go," were given in a hall whose approach was by an outside stair. On the Muckle Friday, the fair for which children storing their pocket-money would ...

— Auld Licht Idyls • J.M. Barrie

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