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
opened a new furniture business
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
Enough chatting. Let's get down to business.
b
old-fashioned
: maximum effort
I wish you'd give it the old business today.—
Mary J. Ward
Mary J. Ward6
: creation, concoction
I hadn't seen Carina wear her hair like that before. This ponytail business was a first.—eden Hudson
eden Hudson7
: 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
old-fashioned
: a damaging assault
a boxer who got the business in the third round and almost tapped out
b
somewhat old-fashioned
: rebuke, tongue-lashing
Fans gave him the business after he struck out for the third time in the game.
9
: a bowel movement
—used especially of pets
took the dog out to do his business
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.
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
Carter hadn’t managed to build a profitable business with his attempt to recapture Vanity Fair’s old spirit (and luxury advertising base).
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
While its initial focus was cross-border payments, Zhang said the company’s revenue is now spread over an array of products, with business accounts similar to Mercury comprising 34% of its revenue, spend management 20%, and payments 30%.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Indian films are highly valued at the North American box office but often do 80% of their business with Indian audiences and families on the first day of release, then fall off dramatically.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2025
The organization reports that the anime business has experienced steady growth every year since 2009 — and even expanded consistently through the pandemic.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for business
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
While its initial focus was cross-border payments, Zhang said the company’s revenue is now spread over an array of products, with business accounts similar to Mercury comprising 34% of its revenue, spend management 20%, and payments 30%.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Indian films are highly valued at the North American box office but often do 80% of their business with Indian audiences and families on the first day of release, then fall off dramatically.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2025
The organization reports that the anime business has experienced steady growth every year since 2009 — and even expanded consistently through the pandemic.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for business
Cite this Entry
“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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