entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈen-tə-tē 

ˈe-nə-

plural entities

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

• being
• commodity
• existent
• individual
• individuality
• integer
• object
• reality
• something
• substance
• thing

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

The teams at SpringHill and Fulwell 73, whose partners include James Corden, are looking at what’s happening in the media and entertainment sector and believe that consolidation would create a stronger entity rather than leaving each separately, one source said. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Buy Now 14 of 20 'Sisters of the Lost Nation' by Nick Medina Darkness descends on the Native American reservation where Anna was raised, and her ability to see a nameless entity suddenly takes on even more horrifying meaning. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

As these are separate accounts, the hacker would need to compromise them as separate entities. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The system was also designed to preserve the states as distinct entities, reflecting the federal system. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing entity

• flow-through entity
• pass-through entity

Kids Definition

entity

noun

en·​ti·​ty ˈent-ət-ē 

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 

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 

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