Origin: Latin suffix -ment
Entertainment has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
"The local community center planned a variety of entertainment for the children's summer party to keep them engaged all afternoon."
An activity designed to give pleasure, enjoyment, diversion, amusement, or relaxation to an audience, no matter whether the audience participates passively as in watching opera or a movie, or actively as in games.
"The theater decided to cancel their usual comedy special since there was no reliable entertainment available for the crowd during the storm."
In plain English: Entertainment is anything that amuses you and makes you forget about your problems for a while.
"We went to the movies for some good entertainment after a long week at work."
Usage: Entertainment refers to any activity intended to amuse or relax an audience, ranging from passive experiences like watching a film to active participation in games. Use this word when describing events or pastimes specifically designed to provide enjoyment rather than education or utility.
The word entertainment entered English from the Old French entretenement, which originally meant "support" or "maintenance." Its meaning shifted over time to refer to activities provided for amusement rather than basic sustenance.