English

Noun

divertissement ‎(usually uncountable, plural divertissements)

1. An entertaining diversion.
2. (ballet) A short ballet within a larger work, usually providing a break from the main plot.
   • 2009, January 24, “Alastair Macaulay”, in A Young, Lively Crew From Florida Steps Up and Takes Flight:

     Patricia Delgado, though taller and paler-skinned, strongly resembles Jeanette, and in Miami they often dance together (in the “Emeralds” pas de trois from “Jewels,” for example, or leading successive divertissements in Balanchine’s “Swan Lake”).

Usage notes

• Often written in italics (divertissement), or pronounced as a French word.

French

Etymology

From the radical of the present participle of divertir, divertiss +‎ -ment.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /di.vɛʁ.tis.mɑ̃/
• Homophone: divertissements
• Hyphenation: di‧ver‧tisse‧ment

Noun

divertissement m ‎(plural divertissements)

1. entertainment