behavior

noun

be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər How to pronounce behavior (audio)
bē-
1
: the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves (see behave sense 1)
We were grateful for the gracious behavior of our hostess.
The children were rewarded for good behavior.
Be on your best behavior.
also : an instance of such behavior
unacceptable social behaviors
2
a
: the manner of conducting (see conduct entry 1 sense 2) oneself
criminal behavior
normal adolescent behavior
b
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
c
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
They are studying the behavior of elephants in the wild.
3
: the way in which something functions or operates
They tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.

Examples of behavior in a Sentence

I'm surprised by her bad behavior toward her friends. Students will be rewarded for good behavior. scientists studying the behavior of elephants An acceptable social behavior in one country may be unacceptable in another country. Doctors are trying to educate people about behaviors that can put them at increased risk for skin cancer. The experiment tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Recent Examples on the Web The guidelines encourage a series of healthy behaviors to help people avoid some common risk factors for strokes like obesity, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Sam Tupper, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 In the meantime, the mayor of Chicago is implicitly defending a major campaign contributor who, at the very least, appears to have attempted to flee the country as he was being sought to answer to allegations of heinous behavior. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024 Polite flirts often focus on building a connection slowly, ensuring that their behavior aligns with social norms and avoids any form of inappropriate advances. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 Bad actors will create a program in which these bots will mimic human behavior while performing the objective of increasing a particular URL page’s relevance. Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for behavior 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behavior.' 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

alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven "to behave" + -our -or entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behavior was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near behavior

Cite this Entry

“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

behavior

noun
be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər How to pronounce behavior (audio)
1
: the way in which one conducts oneself
2
: the way in which something (as a machine) behaves
3
: anything that a living being does that involves action and response to stimulation
behavioral adjective

Medical Definition

behavior

noun
be·​hav·​ior
variants or chiefly British behaviour
1
: the manner of conducting oneself
2
a
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
b
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
behavioral adjective
or chiefly British behavioural
behaviorally adverb
or chiefly British behaviourally

More from Merriam-Webster on behavior

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