business

noun, often attributive

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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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Synonyms for business

Synonyms

custom,
patronage

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 But her measure would not prevent a private business from creating a vaccine mandate. — Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2021 But because the marijuana sales are new business categories, the Department of Revenue says some of the vendors are still learning how to properly report and pay their taxes. — Ryan Randazzo, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2021 But Amazon has also built an advertising business that in five years has gone from less than $2 billion to $21 billion, with an 80%-plus profit margin. — Robin Gaster, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3 June 2021 The racial equity toolkit is the latest of several efforts by GLI to promote diversity, equity and inclusion among the Louisville business community. — Ben Tobin, The Courier-Journal, 3 June 2021 Jain and Coker already had a business relationship. — New York Times, 2 June 2021 The new Kentucky lawsuit says CVS Health used unlawful business practices and failed to guard against the diversion of the powerful opioids. — BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2021 From Monday, June 7, up until Prime Day, Amazon will also be offering Prime members an extra $10 credit for every $10 spent on the site's small business section. — Jon Winkler, USA TODAY, 2 June 2021 Vargas, a 2004 Judson graduate, will speak with Howard about life, business and finding inspiration, a news release said. — chicagotribune.com, 2 June 2021

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.