The Meaning and Origin of the Word Entertaiment

Entertaining is a broad field, encompassing all forms of human amusement or edification. While the term is often associated with fun and laughter, many entertainments have a serious purpose. This may be the case for ceremonies, celebrations, religious festivals or satire, to name just a few.

Entertaiment is also a way of life, a social mode of behavior that shapes society as a whole. This article explores how the concept of entertainement influences social norms and how it has evolved over time.

The examples on this page have been programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘entertaiment.’ Views expressed in these examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.