behavior

noun

be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər How to pronounce behavior (audio)
bē-
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
2
a
: 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.

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 Some users even criticized the daughter's behavior, particularly her insistence on altering the dress permanently. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Even making the show was difficult, four production sources say, due, in part, to Van Ness’ behind-the-scenes behavior. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 One 2015 study found that people hearing gossip showed more activity in their prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for navigating complex social behaviors. Daisy Jones, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024 Indiana a main stopover on the migratory path Sandhill cranes are special for a few reasons, from their looks to their behaviors to their long history. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 And that number is probably an underestimation, because biologists aren’t usually studying the behavior specifically, per National Geographic. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 At the same time, employee behavior has been monitored on work systems since the dawn of email. Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The assessment recommended that A. be allowed to explore gender freely, and should not be forced toward stereotypical gender behavior in any direction. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Lyle and Erik Menendez' behavior draws scrutiny Erik and Lyle Menendez pose for a photo outside their Beverly Hills home in November 1989. Alicia Tejada, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behavior.' 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

alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven "to behave" + -our -or entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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

Dictionary Entries Near behavior

Cite this Entry

“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

behavior

noun
be·​hav·​ior bi-ˈhā-vyər How to pronounce behavior (audio)
1
: the way in which one conducts oneself
2
: the way in which something (as a machine) behaves
3
: anything that a living being does that involves action and response to stimulation
behavioral adjective

Medical Definition

behavior

noun
be·​hav·​ior
variants or chiefly British behaviour
1
: the manner of conducting oneself
2
a
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
b
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
behavioral adjective
or chiefly British behavioural
behaviorally adverb
or chiefly British behaviourally

More from Merriam-Webster on behavior

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!