business

noun

busi·​ness ˈbiz-nəs How to pronounce business (audio)
-nəz,
Southern also
ˈbid- How to pronounce business (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood : trade, line
in the restaurant business
b
: a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise
also : such enterprises
the business district
c
: dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature : patronage
took their business elsewhere
2
a
: role, function
how the human mind went about its business of learningH. A. Overstreet
b
: an immediate task or objective : mission
what is your business here
c
: a particular field of endeavor
the best in the business
3
: affair, matter
the whole business got out of hand
business as usual
4
a
: personal concern
none of your business
b
: right
you have no business speaking to me that way
5
a
: serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions
got down to business
b
: maximum effort
6
7
: movement or action (such as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation

called also stage business

8
a
: a damaging assault
9
: a bowel movement
used especially of pets
10
archaic : purposeful activity : busyness
Choose the Right Synonym for business

business, commerce, trade, industry, traffic mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities.

business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

synonyms see in addition work

Examples of business in a Sentence

Forever Odd is a direct sequel to 2003's Odd Thomas, the book in which we were introduced to the title character, a young man who can see the dead. They can't talk to him, but they can nudge him in the direction they want, which is usually to help them tidy up some unfinished business from when they were alive. Charles De Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction, May 2006
The Sun may never set, but air temperatures can plummet to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and blinding snowstorms appear without warning. Sunbathing here can be risky business: even huddled in our parkas and boots, the members of our expedition live under the constant threat of frostbite and hypothermia. Terrie M. Williams, Natural History, October 2003
Such high attrition means that most of the dot-coms here today will be gone tomorrow. The business environment is already harsh, and competition is growing. Ann Thayer, Chemical & Engineering News, 5 June 2000
Lancaster and Columbia have plenty of history apart from the Civil War, of course. For example, Lancaster was home to F. W. Woolworth's first successful 5&10 and Milton S. Hershey's first successful candy business. Lancaster New Era, 2 July 1996
The store has lost a significant amount of business since the factory closed. She works in the publishing business. David has decided to go into business with his brother. Their publishing company is the best in the business. I have to go to New York City on business next week. They advertised to increase business. He has the skills necessary to run a business. The town is trying to attract new businesses. Do we have any other business we need to discuss? No, I didn't ask him what he wanted the car for. That's his business.
Recent Examples on the Web One of the sources said Albán had been transferred to Havana for further interrogations and that Media Luna had closed its businesses. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 The industry has called for a fresh look at how the market can better serve a rapidly changing business. Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 While playing in another band, the leader of that group invited Starr over to a recording studio and graphic design business — owned by Brit Turner. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 Their argument: Competitive bidding would result in lower costs that can hold down electric bills for Wisconsin residents and businesses. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 In countries with larger Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday, closing schools, businesses, etc., and allowing families, neighbors and friends able to partake in the celebrations together. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Her business has now been a staple in the community for nearly five years. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Such relief is good for the economy because folks are now able to buy a home start a business even start a family. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 My last prewar story was about the flower business. Polina Lytvynova, NPR, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'business.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 10

Time Traveler
The first known use of business was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near business

Cite this Entry

“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

business

noun
busi·​ness ˈbiz-nəs How to pronounce business (audio) -nəz How to pronounce business (audio)
1
: an activity that takes a major part of the time, attention, or effort of a person or group
2
a
: a commercial or industrial activity or organization
b
: the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
3
: something to be dealt with : affair, matter
a strange business
4
a
: personal concern
none of your business
b
: right entry 2 sense 2
you had no business saying that

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