amusement
uh-MYOOZ-muhnt
Amusement (noun) means a feeling of being entertained or finding something funny. Example: “He watched the chaos unfold with quiet amusement.”
noun
1
A feeling of being entertained or finding something funny.
"He watched the chaos unfold with quiet amusement."
"Much to our amusement, the cat tried to chase its own tail."
"She laughed in amusement when her brother tripped over the rug."
2
Something done for fun or entertainment, such as a ride or game.
"The pier was lined with amusements for tourists."
"Reading was her main amusement on long flights."
"The seaside town had plenty of amusements for families on rainy days."
How to use amusement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the feeling of enjoying something funny, or an activity built purely for fun.
Common pairings
amusement park
a source of amusement
to my amusement
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Word forms
- Plural
- amusements
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He watched the chaos unfold with quiet _____.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for amusement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
statement
agreement
excrement
amazement
See all rhymes for amusement →
Frequently asked questions
What does “amusement” mean?
The word “amusement” means a feeling of being entertained or finding something funny. In plain terms, either the feeling of enjoying something funny, or an activity built purely for fun.
How do you pronounce “amusement”?
“Amusement” is pronounced uh-MYOOZ-muhnt (/əˈmjuzmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “amusement” in a sentence?
Here is “amusement” used in a sentence: “He watched the chaos unfold with quiet amusement.”
What is another word for “amusement”?
Words with a similar meaning to “amusement” include recreation.
What part of speech is “amusement”?
“Amusement” is a noun.
Is “amusement” a common word?
“Amusement” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “amusement” have?
“Amusement” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of being entertained or finding something funny.
What is the difference between amusement and entertainment?
Amusement usually refers to a personal feeling of light enjoyment or finding something funny, while entertainment is a broader term for any activity, performance, or event designed to hold an audience's attention. A ride at a fair creates amusement, but the fair as a whole counts as entertainment.
What does "amusements" mean at a fairground?
Used as a countable noun, "amusements" refers to rides, games, and attractions built purely for fun, such as those found at a fairground or amusement arcade. Here the word describes the activity itself rather than the feeling it produces.
Is "amusement" a formal or informal word?
Amusement is a neutral, everyday word that fits both casual and formal writing. It appears in relaxed conversation, as in "much to my amusement," as well as in more formal contexts like describing an amusement park.
