What Is Entertaiment?

Entertaiment is entertainment in its broadest sense: anything that provides amusement, joy, and relaxation. It encompasses all forms of art, from music and film to poetry and novels. It also includes recreational activities such as sports, games, puzzles, and strategy video games. For some, entertainment evokes strong emotions like humor or fear; for others, it is more thought-provoking and educational, such as documentaries and complex dramas.

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word ‘entertainment.’ Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Entertainment is a powerful stress-buster, reducing cortisol levels and enhancing well-being. It can also be a form of emotional cleansing, as in the cathartic experience of reading a gripping mystery or solving a puzzle.