behavior

noun be·hav·ior \ bi-ˈhā-vyər , bē- \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Examples: behavior in a Sentence

Definition of behavior

1 : the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves (see behave 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 ¹conduct 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.

—

behavioral

play \-vyə-rəl\ adjective

—

behaviorally

play \-rə-lē\ adverb

See behavior defined for English-language learners

See behavior defined for kids

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 of behavior from the Web

Aside from how alcohol can impair behavior and judgment, scientists have long debated if drinking various amounts can truly translate into a specific health benefit.

— CBS News, "Health officials to end industry-funded study of alcohol’s possible health benefits," 15 June 2018
Shifting perceptions about masculine behaviors and necessity could be behind the change.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Study: Today's dads are more engaged with their children," 15 June 2018
As so often with Trump-style humor, comedy is used to normalize horrifying attitudes and behavior.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Trump does a joking/not joking routine celebrating North Korean executions.," 15 June 2018
Regardless of living arrangements, positive involvement by fathers is associated with better outcomes for kids – in academic achievement, social and emotional well-being, and behavior.

— stacy teicher khadaroo, The Christian Science Monitor, "Fathers helping fathers, so kids can thrive," 14 June 2018
Of course, congressional behavior and the business cycle played a role in these outcomes.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Has Not Transformed the Republican Party – Yet," 14 June 2018
Stephanie Rhoades, a former Alaska judge, is among the vocal critics, asserting that current policies enable entrenched camping, criminal behavior and hazardous conditions.

— devin kelly, Anchorage Daily News, "Anchorage wants to declare ‘clean-up zones’ for homeless camps," 12 June 2018
Despite government intervention, citizens have taken matters into their own hands, tapping springs and modifying their homes and behavior.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "Drought In Post-Apartheid Cape Town: An Interview with Eve Fairbanks," 12 June 2018
There is a strong focus on intervention — through programs that emphasize positive behavior and restorative justice programs that address conflict and misbehavior by having students learn the impact of their actions.

— lori higgins, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit schools had 16,000 suspensions last year, aims to reduce them," 11 June 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.