business

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

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: business in a Sentence

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

My children’s former childcare provider is out of business after decades of taking care of kids.

— USA TODAY, "Why we need to let other adults criticize our kids for doing a bad job," 14 June 2018
Béhar closed out the night by arguing that there’s more work to be done to incorporate design into the highest echelons of business.

— andrew nusca, Fortune, "How Do You Calm a Crying Baby? With a Little AI, and Lots of Design," 14 June 2018
While the trucks are still a big part of the business, catering is a better way to bring in revenue.

— Washington Post, "Food truck evolution: Owners strategize as novelty wears off," 14 June 2018
Cohen has also been a key figure in some of the Trump Organization business deals including one that would have led to a Trump Tower in Moscow.

— jeff pegues, CBS News, "Exclusive: Michael Cohen believes Trump and his allies are turning on him," 14 June 2018
Editor & Publisher named Johnson publisher of the year in 2017, citing his financial turnaround of the business.

— owen thomas, San Francisco Chronicle, "Hearst names Bill Nagel as Chronicle publisher," 14 June 2018
In April, the U.S. banned ZTE from buying American technology for seven years, effectively putting the company out of business.

— justin sink, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Approves Tariffs on $50 Billion of Chinese Goods," 14 June 2018
The personal finance website that has made a bit of a side business in ranking cities on anything from fitness levels to teen drivers, has gone a step too far.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Wallethub: Cincinnati is NOT one of the best cities for soccer fans," 13 June 2018
The majority of the businesses sell clothing, accessories and beauty products.

— stephanie morse, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Six Milwaukee businesses open pop-up shops near downtown," 13 June 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 10

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.