Verb

Infinitive to entertain

Third person singular entertains

Simple past entertained

Past participle entertained

Present participle entertaining

to entertain (third-person singular simple present entertains, present participle entertaining, simple past and past participle entertained)

1. (transitive) To amuse (someone); said especially of a professional entertainer.

   The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.

2. (transitive and intransitive) To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.

   They enjoy entertaining a lot.

3. (transitive) To have a thought in mind.

   The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.

Derived terms

• entertaining
• entertainment

Entertainment consists of any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time. Entertainment is generally passive, such as watching opera or a movie. Active forms of amusement, such as recreations or sports, are more often considered to be recreation. Activities such as personal reading or practicing a musical instruments are considered as hobbies.

The industry that provides entertainment is called the entertainment industry. There are many forms of entertainment for example: cinema, theatre, sports, games and social dance. Puppets, clowns, pantomimes and cartoons tend to appeal to children, though adults may also find them enjoyable.

Forms of entertainment

Animation

Some people find animation to be entertaining. Similarly, some people find cartoons to be entertaining.