entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē How to pronounce entity (audio)
ˈe-nə-
plural entities
Synonyms of entity
1
a
: being, existence
especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence
b
: the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes
2
: something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality
3
: an organization (such as a business or governmental unit) that has an identity separate from those of its members

Synonyms of entity

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Examples of entity in a Sentence

One division of the company was broken off as a separate entity. the question of whether extrasensory perception will ever be a scientifically recognized entity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In an email, Truax said that the loan wasn’t to him or the other owner, but instead was a loan to the entity that owned Union 93. — Carolyn Komatsoulis updated July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce's foundation will serve as the receiving entity for the money. — Arkansas Online, 7 July 2026 When one entity appears as the authoritative source across most of that material and the other appears primarily in relation to that entity, the AI builds one dominant signal and one dependent one. — Joseph Byrum, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Among the entities also targeted are DeNova Homes and its founder David Sanson, along with his wife Lori Sanson and their son, Trent Sanson. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for entity

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin entitas, from Latin ent-, ens existing thing, from coined present participle of esse to be — more at is

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entity was in 1596

Phrases Containing entity

Rhymes for entity

See All Rhymes for entity

Browse Nearby Words

entitlement
entity
entobronchium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entity. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

entity

noun
en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē How to pronounce entity (audio)
plural entities
: something existing or thought of as existing as a separate and independent thing

Medical Definition

entity

noun
en·​ti·​ty ˈen(t)-ət-ē How to pronounce entity (audio)
plural entities
: something (as a disease or condition) that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality
whether the common cold is an entity has been debated—Year Book of Medicine

Legal Definition

entity

noun
en·​ti·​ty ˈen-ti-tē How to pronounce entity (audio)
plural entities
: an organization (as a business or governmental unit) that has a legal identity which is separate from those of its members see also alter ego, instrumentality, juridical person, legal person, pierce

More from Merriam-Webster on entity

Nglish: Translation of entity for Spanish Speakers

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