enterprise

noun

en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
ˈen-tə-ˌprīz
1
: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2
a
: a unit of economic organization or activity
especially : a business organization
b
: a systematic purposeful activity
agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people
3
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative
showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis

Examples of enterprise in a Sentence

Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise. Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people. When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise. He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web Sarah King, who launched the enterprise on her eleven-acre property in 2017, keeps things simple by design. Daryl James, National Review, 17 Mar. 2024 And the structure of the narrative, which centers Kahlo’s voice, drawn from her letters and diaries, makes the enterprise worthwhile. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enterprise 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enterprise.' 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, from Anglo-French, from entreprendre to undertake, from entre- inter- + prendre to take — more at prize

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near enterprise

Cite this Entry

“Enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterprise. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
1
: a difficult, complicated, or risky project or undertaking
2
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action
showed great enterprise in the face of danger
3
: a business organization
enterpriser
-ˌprī-zər
noun

Legal Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
: an economic organization or activity
especially : a business organization

More from Merriam-Webster on enterprise

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