behavior

noun

be·hav·ior | \ bi-ˈhā-vyər

, bē-\

Definition of behavior

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

2a : 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.

Other Words from behavior Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about behavior

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Other Words from behavior

behavioral \ bi-ˈhā-vyə-rəl

, bē- \ adjective

behaviorally \ bi-ˈhā-vyə-rə-lē

, bē- \ adverb

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

For example, if a Santa incorrectly accuses a parent of inappropriate behavior, based only on what the little one tells him during their short time together, that actor is putting himself at risk for a lawsuit. — Ann Votaw, Marie Claire, "I Went to the Harvard of Santa Schools to Become Mrs. Claus," 20 Dec. 2018 According to the Tennessee code, those credits include recognition for good behavior or participation in educational or vocational training programs. — Jameelah Nasheed, Teen Vogue, "Cyntoia Brown Is Facing 51 Years in Prison, So People Are Pressing Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to Grant Her Clemency," 12 Dec. 2018 In this terrifying new movie, a little boy exhibits disturbing behavior that may be rooted in the supernatural. — Molly Fitzpatrick, Marie Claire, "Taylor Schilling On What Scares Her—On and Off The Screen," 22 Jan. 2019 Learning how to notice these signs is key in preventing an outburst or regrettable behavior. — Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, "How to Deal With Anger in a Healthy Way," 18 Jan. 2019 The behavior remains consistent when R. Kelly would allegedly frequent Kentwood High School in Chicago and nearby basketball courts and fast food restaurants where young girls worked, according to the docuseries. — Morgan Jerkins, Teen Vogue, "R. Kelly and Other Powerful Men Have Always Manipulated Their Teen Fans," 9 Jan. 2019 While the rich are getting better at adopting the lifestyle behaviors that lower their cancer risk, the poor lag behind. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "We’re making real progress against cancer. But you may not know it if you’re poor.," 8 Jan. 2019 Humankind could at last understand the entirety of the universe’s behavior. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 Of course, because of the nature of the data provided to the researchers to work with, there wasn't really any way to see if that sort of behavior happened on other social media platforms. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "Massive scale of Russian election trolling revealed in draft Senate report," 17 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'behavior.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.