industry
noun
in·dus·try
ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē 
plural industries
1
a
: manufacturing activity as a whole
the nation's industry
b
: a distinct group of businesses that provide a particular product or service
the banking industry
c
: a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture
especially
: one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing
d
: systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value
left his country … to live by his own industry in England …—
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens2
: diligence in an employment or pursuit
especially
: steady or habitual effort
workers commended for their industry
3
: work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author
the Shakespeare industry
Examples of industry in a Sentence
He favors policies that promote industry.
She invested in several large industries.
She became so popular that a whole industry grew up around her and her image.
Recent Examples on the Web
This – along with memorizing their individual preferences and an eye for spotting the next big thing in fashion – has cemented her name in a highly competitive industry.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Instead, Lamont initially response by giving $3 million to bolster food pantries, despite warnings from industry leaders that their efforts could mitigate only about an eighth of the problems created by the suspension of federal nutrition assistance.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026
As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how clothing is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress?
—Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026
Cannabis is now entering a similar inflection point, where algorithms may shape what gets grown, how it’s sold, and who wins in a rapidly growing industry.
—Aisha Alves, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for industry
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Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Instead, Lamont initially response by giving $3 million to bolster food pantries, despite warnings from industry leaders that their efforts could mitigate only about an eighth of the problems created by the suspension of federal nutrition assistance.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026
As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how clothing is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress?
—Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026
Cannabis is now entering a similar inflection point, where algorithms may shape what gets grown, how it’s sold, and who wins in a rapidly growing industry.
—Aisha Alves, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for industry
Cite this Entry
“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industry. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
industry
noun
in·dus·try
ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē
plural industries
1
: the habit of working hard and steadily : diligence
2
: steady labor
lived by their own industry
3
a
: the businesses that provide a particular product or service
the steel industry
the tourist industry
b
: manufacturing activity
commerce and industry
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