noun
amusement
uh-MYOOZ-muhnt/əˈmjuːzmənt/
Pleasure from something entertaining or funny.
The puppet show fills him with amusement.
Etymology
From amuser, amusement first meant diversion of attention, including military distraction. It came to describe pastimes that diverted people from work or duty, then pleasurable entertainment itself.
In context
with the lack of amusement the hours hung heavily
More examples
- She watched their argument with quiet amusement.
- His puzzled expression was a source of amusement to his friends.
- The children made up games for their own amusement.
Forms
amusement · amusements
amuse verb — entertain or make someone laugh
Similar words
- entertainment
- Often names what provides pleasure rather than the pleasure itself.
- delight
- Pleasure that need not arise from something funny or entertaining.