Entertaiment is a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience or gives pleasure and delight. It may be created by a person, such as when they spontaneously invent a game, or it may be part of a larger event or experience, such as a theatrical performance or a movie.

People can actively participate in entertainment, such as when they play a sport or game, or they can consume it passively, such as by watching a television show or movie. The experience of entertaining others is often a gratifying one, and it can lead to feelings of accomplishment and self-esteem.

Many people who want to become entertainers focus on developing their performance skills, but they often overlook the business side of the industry. It is important to learn how to run a business in the entertainment industry, as well as how to connect with and attract an audience. To be successful, it is also helpful to find inspiration from other entertainers, but it is important to develop a style that is uniquely your own. For example, the story of Scheherazade, a member of the Persian professional storytelling tradition, has inspired composers to create orchestral works, filmmakers to make films, and developers to create innovative video games based on the tale.