business

noun, often attributive

busi·ness | \ ˈbiz-nəs

, -nəz, Southern also ˈbid-

Definition of business

1a : 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

2a : 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

4a : personal concern none of your business

b : right you have no business speaking to me that way

5a : 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

8a : a damaging assault

b : rebuke, tongue-lashing

c : double cross

9 : a bowel movement —used especially of pets

10 archaic : purposeful activity : busyness

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about business

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web This year Irwin was chosen for the TIME 100 Next list, an expansion of the TIME 100 franchise that spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of their fields— from business to entertainment, sports, politics and beyond. — Madeleine Carlisle, Time, "'He Was Definitely Ahead of His Time.' Robert Irwin Speaks About Climate Change And His Father's Legacy," 16 Nov. 2019 In recent years, lenders have used confessions to win more than 32,000 judgments in New York courts, mostly against small out-of-state businesses. — Washington Post, "Ban on Predatory-Lending Tactic Passes House Finance Committee," 15 Nov. 2019 The business publicly apologized Wednesday and explained that both employees were issued verbal and written warnings. — Chelsea Curtis, azcentral, "Breakfast Club employee fired after using racial slur in 'joke' on black co-worker in Phoenix," 14 Nov. 2019 The rideshare businesses also are on the hook for as much as $119 million in interest and penalties on the unpaid amounts, internal department documents obtained by the news service show. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, "Uber slapped with $650 million tax bill by New Jersey," 14 Nov. 2019 But there is a lot of overlap with the 2017 36-hours piece, and many businesses highlighted the first time around get more time in the spotlight here. — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, "New York Times really likes Indianapolis! Even if sometimes it doesn't sound like it.," 14 Nov. 2019 The medical marijuana dispensary will be giving away 200 free chicken sandwiches Friday from 5-7 p.m. on a first-come first-serve basis, said the business in a news release. — Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press, "Walled Lake marijuana dispensary giving away free Popeyes chicken sandwiches," 14 Nov. 2019 Union has a longtime partnership with the business casual brand and has released a few collections with the company. — Nandi Howard, Essence, "Gabrielle Union Launches A Holiday Collection With New York & Company," 14 Nov. 2019 Shackelford got the business after Alabama took a 17-point lead in what became a 78-59 win over Florida Atlanta. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "Alabama freshman actually likes tough-love, high-volume coaching," 14 Nov. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near business

business administration

business as usual

business car

Statistics for business

Last Updated

18 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Business.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business. Accessed 21 November 2019.

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More Definitions for business

business

noun