Definition of business
1 archaic : purposeful activity : busyness
2a : role, function how the human mind went about its business of learning — H. A. Overstreetb : an immediate task or objective : mission what is your business herec : a particular field of endeavor the best in the business
3a : a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood : trade, line in the restaurant businessb : a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise; also : such enterprises the business districtc : dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature : patronage took their business elsewhere
4 : affair, matter the whole business got out of hand business as usual
5 : creation, concoction
6 : 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
7a : personal concern none of your businessb : right you have no business speaking to me that way
8a : serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions got down to businessb : maximum effort
People Are Reading
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
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Martin noted Tuesday that his concerns about the tent competing with businesses are similar to Gamatoria's.
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Building Bridges Theresa May will launch a new business advisory group Thursday, her office said, as her government tries to build bridges with financial and trade bodies during Brexit negotiations.
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Educational workshops, 8 a.m., followed by a business expo and career from 1-5 p.m.
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The White House announcement stresses Dabbar’s business experience.
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The sanctions freeze any assets in the U.S. and prevent Americans from doing business with them.
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In other business, Democratic Central Committee Chairman Jim Wieser appointed Michael E. Tolbert as Democratic legal counsel to the election board replacing J. Justin Murphy.
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Since Endeavor Miami’s 2013 launch, 15 South Florida companies and 24 entrepreneurs have become part of Endeavor’s global network of business leaders, mentors and investors.
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While Sam plied his trade as a wide receiver, much of the Cooney football family business has done its work in the secondary.
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
Synonym Discussion of business
synonyms see in addition work
Other Business Terms
BUSINESS Defined for English Language Learners
business
playDefinition of business for English Language Learners
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: the activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money
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: work that is part of a job
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: the amount of activity that is done by a store, company, factory, etc.
BUSINESS Defined for Kids
business
playDefinition of business for Students
1 : the activity of making, buying, and selling goods or services We're open for business.
2 : a commercial enterprise She's starting a new business.
3 : the normal activity of a person or group Learning is the business of a student.
4 : personal concerns It's none of your business.
5 : 1matter 1 Cleaning up the mess was an unpleasant business.
Learn More about business
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for business Spanish Central: Translation of business Nglish: Translation of business for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of business for Arabic speakers
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