1. a short, light entertainment or amusement; a diversion or distraction from something serious or tedious
Usage: often used in formal or literary contexts; from French
2. a short ballet or dance interlude, typically performed between acts of an opera or play
Usage: ballet and theater term; from French

Examples

• The comedy sketch served as a pleasant divertissement during the long conference.
• After the second act, the audience enjoyed a charming divertissement performed by the corps de ballet.
• Reading novels is her favorite divertissement from the stress of daily life.
• The theatrical production included a musical divertissement between scenes.
• He sought divertissement in games and social gatherings.
• The concert featured a brief divertissement of folk dances.