industry

noun

in·​dus·​try ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē How to pronounce industry (audio)
plural industries
1
a
: manufacturing activity as a whole
the nation's industry
b
: a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises
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
2
: diligence in an employment or pursuit
especially : steady or habitual effort
3
: work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author
the Shakespeare industry
Choose the Right Synonym for industry

business, commerce, trade, industry, traffic mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities.

business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the industry has diversified since 2020, change has been slow, The Times later reported. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Published on May 23, 2025 Back in the 1950s and ’60s, when the British car industry was firing on all cylinders—anywhere from four to eight, to be exact—there was a plethora of marques catering to all budgets. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 May 2025 Supporters of regulation argue the approach would allow the industry to grow while providing safeguards. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025 Focusing on the development of a fiction feature film, the program is carried out in more than 10 countries and offered to a Brazilian filmmaker by Projeto Paradiso, Brazil’s only philanthropic organization supporting the audiovisual industry. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for industry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) industrie, from Middle French, from Latin industria, from industrius diligent, from Old Latin indostruus, perhaps from indu in + -struus (akin to Latin struere to build) — more at end-, strew

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

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Cite this Entry

“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industry. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

industry

noun
in·​dus·​try ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē How to pronounce industry (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on industry

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