/ ˌentəˈteɪnmənt; NAmE -tərˈt-/ noun
1.
[ U , C ] films / movies, music, etc. used to entertain people; an example of this :
radio, television and other forms of entertainment
There will be live entertainment at the party.
It was typical family entertainment .
The entertainment was provided by a folk band.
Local entertainments are listed in the newspaper.
The show was good entertainment value .
2.
[ U ] the act of entertaining sb :
a budget for the entertainment of clients
••
SYNONYMS
entertainment
fun ♦ recreation ♦ relaxation ♦ play ♦ pleasure ♦ amusement
These are all words for things or activities used to entertain people when they are not working.
entertainment
films, television, music, etc. used to entertain people:
There are three bars, with live entertainment seven nights a week.
fun
( rather informal ) behaviour or activities that are not serious but come from a sense of enjoyment:
It wasn't serious—it was all done in fun .
We didn't mean to hurt him. It was just a bit of fun .
•
The lottery provides harmless fun for millions.
recreation
( rather formal ) things people do for enjoyment when they are not working:
His only form of recreation is playing football.
relaxation
( rather formal ) things people do to rest and enjoy themselves when they are not working; the ability to relax:
I go hill-walking for relaxation.
recreation or relaxation?
Both these words can be used for a wide range of activities, physical and mental, but relaxation is sometimes used for gentler activities than recreation :
I play the flute in a wind band for recreation.
•
I listen to music for relaxation.
play
things that people, especially children, do for enjoyment rather than as work:
the happy sounds of children at play
pleasure
the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working:
Are you in Paris on business or pleasure ?
amusement
the fact of being entertained by sth:
What do you do for amusement round here?
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
to do sth for entertainment / fun / recreation / relaxation / pleasure / amusement
to provide entertainment / fun / recreation / relaxation / amusement
pure entertainment / fun / recreation / relaxation / play / pleasure / amusement
a form of entertainment / recreation / relaxation / amusement