behavior

noun

be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər 

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.

Synonyms

• actions
• address
• bearing
• comportment
• conduct
• demeanor
• deportment
• geste [archaic]
• gest

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

At the zoo:Indianapolis Zoo reveals name of baby rhino Cheetahs also showed signs of nighttime behavior by pacing at the highest point in their grassy yard. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Apr. 2024

The officers went to the home after a White neighbor reported that several Black men were staying at a White woman’s home and reported seeing suspicious behavior – but in the end the officers found no crime, prosecutors said. —Emma Tucker, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

One focuses on Dorsey's record of good behavior since his incarceration. —CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024

Some associations have meetings fraught with conflict and low standards of board behavior. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024

On its face, at least, Do’s behavior does not run afoul of county policies, which allow supervisors to direct money to nonprofits run by their adult children without telling the public about the relationship. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

Lemon, a news anchor himself, was abruptly fired from CNN in 2023, following an extensive Variety report with allegations of sexist behavior and the denigration of female colleagues dating back to 2008. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2024

Jasmine hoped that by seeing the wedding day photos, Gino would change his behaviors. —Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

Then, during the recent three-part reunion, Richards acknowledged, in vague terms, that Umansky’s behavior had stoked trust issues. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024

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 2a

Phrases Containing behavior

• for good behavior
• behavior modification
• cognitive behavior therapy
• on their best behavior
• behavior therapy
• on one's best behavior

Kids Definition

behavior

noun

be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər 

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

-vyə-rəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

behavior

noun

be·​hav·​ior

variants or chiefly British behaviour

bi-ˈhā-vyər 

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

-vyə-rəl 

behaviorally adverb

or chiefly British behaviourally

-rə-lē