Entertaiment | The New York Times
A broad and ever-growing category of activity that may be enjoyed by any size audience, from an individual who selects his or her own entertainment from a vast array of pre-recorded products; to a meal adapted for two; to a party of any type; to performances intended for thousands. The word is strongly associated with amusement, so that one common understanding of the idea is fun and laughter; however, many entertainments have a serious purpose, as in the various forms of rite, party, non secular pageant, or satire for example. From Middle English entretenement; see entertain.