often attributive
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
2
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
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
9
: a bowel movement
—used especially of pets
10
archaic
: purposeful activity : busyness
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.
See More
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.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
The case is expected to revolve around Biden and his son’s Hunter’s business dealings.
—Paul Gattis | Pgattis@al.com, al, 12 Sep. 2023
This one is hand-painted, and your purchase supports a small business owner on Etsy.
—Sarah Wolf Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2023
Flash flooding in the area swamped cars, homes, and some businesses, as raging waters coursed through streets and yards.
—Sarah Raza, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023
In addition, workers not partaking in retail shopping in the federal district has deprived businesses of revenue and the city of tax dollars.
—Breccan F. Thies, Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2023
These vendors and small businesses will be selling vintage goods, home decor, art prints, hand pies, kombucha, ceramics, candles and more.
—Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Sep. 2023
In May, the number of trout per mile fell so low in some sections that the Fellins, other guides and outfitters and business owners formed a nonprofit organization called Save Wild Trout and urged Gov. Greg Gianforte to create a task force in the hope of stemming the deepening losses.
—Jim Robbins, New York Times, 12 Sep. 2023
According to the Austin Police Department, the shooting occurred at a business near The Arboretum, an outdoor shopping center.
—Tony Plohetski, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2023
Two people are dead and one other was wounded in a shooting at a business in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, officials said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2023
See More
Paul Gattis | Pgattis@al.com, al, 12 Sep. 2023
This one is hand-painted, and your purchase supports a small business owner on Etsy.
—Sarah Wolf Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2023
Flash flooding in the area swamped cars, homes, and some businesses, as raging waters coursed through streets and yards.
—Sarah Raza, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023
In addition, workers not partaking in retail shopping in the federal district has deprived businesses of revenue and the city of tax dollars.
—Breccan F. Thies, Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2023
These vendors and small businesses will be selling vintage goods, home decor, art prints, hand pies, kombucha, ceramics, candles and more.
—Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Sep. 2023
In May, the number of trout per mile fell so low in some sections that the Fellins, other guides and outfitters and business owners formed a nonprofit organization called Save Wild Trout and urged Gov. Greg Gianforte to create a task force in the hope of stemming the deepening losses.
—Jim Robbins, New York Times, 12 Sep. 2023
According to the Austin Police Department, the shooting occurred at a business near The Arboretum, an outdoor shopping center.
—Tony Plohetski, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2023
Two people are dead and one other was wounded in a shooting at a business in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, officials said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'business.' 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
Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 10
Time Traveler
The first known use of business was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing business
Articles Related to business
Dictionary Entries Near business
Cite this Entry
“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
1
: an activity that takes a major part of the time, attention, or effort of a person or group
2
a
: a commercial or industrial activity or organization
b
: the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
4
a
: personal concern
none of your business
b
: right entry 2 sense 2
you had no business saying that
More from Merriam-Webster on business
Nglish: Translation of business for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of business for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share