Entertaiment (from Old French entretenement) refers to activities that evoke positive emotions or provide recreational experiences. It encompasses a broad array of forms, from art and music to games and sports. People choose what entertainment they enjoy based on their unique tastes, preferences, and emotional state. For example, one person may find a comedy show to be entertaining, while another might prefer a drama or documentary. Entertainment can also be educational and thought-provoking, such as puzzles or strategy video games. Click the buttons below to see examples of entertaiment in context.
This article was originally published in the June 2018 issue of Smithsonian Magazine.