business

noun, often attributive busi·ness \ ˈbiz-nəs , -nəz , Southern also ˈbid- \

Definition of business

1 a : a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood : trade, line

in the restaurant business

b : a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise; also : such enterprises

the business district

c : dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature : patronage

took their business elsewhere

2 a : role, function

how the human mind went about its business of learning
—H. A. Overstreet

b : an immediate task or objective : mission

what is your business here

c : a particular field of endeavor

the best in the business

3 : affair, matter

the whole business got out of hand

business as usual

4 a : personal concern

none of your business

b : right

you have no business speaking to me that way

5 a : serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions

got down to business

b : maximum effort

6 : creation, concoction

7 : movement or action (such as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation — called also stage business

8 a : a damaging assault

b : rebuke, tongue-lashing

c : double cross

9 : a bowel movement —used especially of pets

10 archaic : purposeful activity : busyness

See business defined for English-language learners

See business defined for kids

Examples of business in a Sentence

Forever Odd is a direct sequel to 2003's Odd Thomas, the book in which we were introduced to the title character, a young man who can see the dead. They can't talk to him, but they can nudge him in the direction they want, which is usually to help them tidy up some unfinished business from when they were alive. —Charles De Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction, May 2006
The Sun may never set, but air temperatures can plummet to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and blinding snowstorms appear without warning. Sunbathing here can be risky business: even huddled in our parkas and boots, the members of our expedition live under the constant threat of frostbite and hypothermia. —Terrie M. Williams, Natural History, October 2003
Such high attrition means that most of the dot-coms here today will be gone tomorrow. The business environment is already harsh, and competition is growing. —Ann Thayer, Chemical & Engineering News, 5 June 2000
Lancaster and Columbia have plenty of history apart from the Civil War, of course. For example, Lancaster was home to F. W. Woolworth's first successful 5&10 and Milton S. Hershey's first successful candy business. —Lancaster New Era, 2 July 1996
The store has lost a significant amount of business since the factory closed.
She works in the publishing business.
David has decided to go into business with his brother.
Their publishing company is the best in the business.
I have to go to New York City on business next week.
They advertised to increase business.
He has the skills necessary to run a business.
The town is trying to attract new businesses.
Do we have any other business we need to discuss?
No, I didn't ask him what he wanted the car for. That's his business.

Recent Examples of business from the Web

The club should make an official announcement of the news in due course, with Fernandinho to resolve a business issue back in Brazil first.

— SI.com, "Man City Midfielder Finally Set to Sign a New Deal to Put an End to Speculation Over His Future," 5 Nov. 2017
But there are also soldiers, college students, current public safety officials, Slope workers, stay-at-home parents and business executives in the mix.

— devin kelly, Alaska Dispatch News, "After nearly 70 years, Chugiak’s volunteer fire department hires its first paid chief," 5 Nov. 2017
Navigator has a key business relationship with Sibur, whose second-biggest shareholder is Kirill Shamalov, Putin’s son-in-law.

— benjamin hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Documents Reveal Ties Between Wilbur Ross and Putin-Linked Business," 5 Nov. 2017
The list includes billionaire business magnate Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns 95% of Kingdom Holding, which holds stakes in global companies such as Citigroup, Twitter, Apple and News Corp.

— tamara qiblawi, CNN, "A resignation, detentions and missiles: 24 hours that shook the Middle East," 5 Nov. 2017
Volunteers can also help with mailings or reception duties at the theatre business office.

— faye reeder, star-telegram, "Massing of the Colors ceremony will honor U.S. flag and military service | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 Nov. 2017
The evening event was the fruit of a budding partnership between the school and the Laguna business.

— bryce alderton, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, "Laguna Beach High students display art during First Thursdays Art Walk," 3 Nov. 2017
The central bank's power derives from its ability to raise and lower the federal funds rate, the benchmark that banks use to set consumer and business loans.

— martin crutsinger and ken thomas, The Christian Science Monitor, "Trump taps Jerome Powell for Federal Reserve chair," 3 Nov. 2017
The chief executive of a Los Angeles medical marketing firm was found guilty Friday of hiring a drug dealer to kill a business rival.

— james queally, latimes.com, "L.A. CEO found guilty of hiring drug dealer in failed plot to kill business rival," 3 Nov. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of business

Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

business Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of business

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.

synonyms see in addition work

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

BUSINESS Defined for English Language Learners

business

noun

Definition of business for English Language Learners

: the activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money
: work that is part of a job
: the amount of activity that is done by a store, company, factory, etc.