amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
Synonyms of amusementnext
1
: a means of amusing or entertaining
what are her favorite amusements
2
: the condition of being amused
could not hide his amusement
3
: pleasurable diversion : entertainment
plays the piano for amusement

Synonyms of amusement

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Examples of amusement in a Sentence

I'm reading this novel for amusement. Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The historical society owns an extensive Aurora postcard collection that, like the 185 in this book, document the city from its bustling downtown to its quiet neighborhoods, parks and popular amusement destinations. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The press noted with amusement the plight of the court reporter who threw his hands in the air in frustration after trying to transcribe scatting. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026 The power is back on at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after an outage stopped some amusement rides in their tracks. — Vanessa Murdock, CBS News, 3 Aug. 2026 Many travelers speed right by on their way to the flashy amusements of Kemah or Galveston’s sandy beaches. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amusement

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of amusement was in 1603

Phrases Containing amusement

Browse Nearby Words

amuse-gueule
amusement
amusement arcade
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Cite this Entry

“Amusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amusement. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amusement

noun
amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
1
: something that amuses
2
: the condition of being amused

More from Merriam-Webster on amusement

Nglish: Translation of amusement for Spanish Speakers

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