A variety of shows put on for the purpose of amusement and edification. It may be of a very broad scope, from a private entertainment selected from a large choice available to an individual; through a banquet or party for any number; a pageant, religious festival, or non secular event; up to performances intended for the audience of thousands and beyond. Despite the strong association of entertainment with amusement, many forms have a serious purpose—such as training and highbrow growth.

The meaning of Entertaiment is based on the Latin intertenere and its Indo-European root ten, which means to hold inside.