big business

noun

1

: an economic group consisting of large profit-making corporations especially with regard to their influence on social or political policy

2

: a very profitable enterprise

Examples of big business in a Sentence

The tax proposal will be of most benefit to big business.

Tourism is big business in the region.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many progressives, led by Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, also believe that a global oligarchy poses a threat to democracy and see big business in defense, technology, and finance as part of a corrupt system. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

But at In Salah, the companies saw an opportunity to try out a greener process — one that could become big business. — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026

Some big business interests are not pleased with this outcome, since Lula has promised to hold Big Tech to account and to protect the Amazon from deforestation. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Horror is big business right now, with the film Backrooms, directed by YouTuber Kane Parsons, also proving to be a big box office success this year. — Jay Peters, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for big business

• agribusiness
• nonbusiness