enterprise

noun en·ter·prise \ ˈen-tər-ˌprīz , ˈen-tə-ˌprīz \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of enterprise

1 :a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky

2 :readiness to engage in daring or difficult action :initiative

showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis

3 a :a unit of economic organization or activity; especially :a business organization

b :a systematic purposeful activity

agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people

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See enterprise defined for kids

Examples of enterprise in a Sentence

Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise.
Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people.
When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise.
He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.

Recent Examples of enterprise from the Web

But many outside experts believe state enterprises and farms are too inefficient to provide enough goods and services for the whole nation without the help of markets and private activities.

— Bloomberg.com, "The Real Revolution in North Korea Is the Rise of Consumer Culture," 18 Aug. 2017
Intimate magic is really what Archer and Martin are doing with their whole enterprise.

— tarpley hitt, Philly.com, "Huntingdon Valley's new Smoke and Mirrors Theater opens a window into the secret world of magicians," 16 Aug. 2017
Barber, now 80, relinquished ownership of his racing-school enterprise in 1999 but has owned one of the school’s partner racetracks, Lime Rock Park, since 1984.

— steve siler, Car and Driver, "Race Junk, Going Cheap: Skip Barber Racing School Selling Off Assets," 15 Aug. 2017
Stetson hats currently are made under license in Texas, but the original John B. Stetson Company of Philadelphia was a global enterprise, too, over the years operating facilities everywhere from Germany to Brazil to New Zealand.

— kevin d. williamson, National Review, "‘Made in America.’ So What?," 23 July 2017
State enterprises are also a principal culprit in the alarming build-up of corporate debt in China (nearly 170% of GDP at the end of last year).

— The Economist, "Unnatural selectionChina’s state enterprises are not retreating but advancing," 20 July 2017
The deal was expected to give Blaze Pizza LLC an enterprise value of more than $100 million, said one person, who was among those familiar with the negotiations who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.

— craig giammona, Bloomberg.com, "LeBron James-Backed Blaze Pizza In Talks Over Stake Sale," 13 July 2017
Our ideals bind our people together, serve as the passport to Americanness, and justify the whole enterprise.

— nicholas m. gallagher, National Review, "America Needs to Reconcile Its Id and Superego," 11 July 2017
Shoppers in Enterprise and Auburn now have access to a new offering in the Walmart portfolio -- giant self-service kiosks.

— AL.com, "Free AR-15s, Metro Diner, food stamp cuts top AL.com business news," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enterprise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of enterprise

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from entreprendre to undertake, from entre- inter- + prendre to take — more at prize

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

enterprise Synonyms

Synonyms

business, company, concern, establishment, firm, house, interest, outfit

Antonyms

sure thing

Related Words

conglomerate, corporation, multinational; association, cartel, chain, combine, syndicate, trust; agency, dealer, outlet; microenterprise

Near Antonyms

inactivity, inertia, passivity; diffidence, faintheartedness, timidity; hesitation, reluctance; indolence, laziness, lethargy

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

ENTERPRISE Defined for English Language Learners

enterprise

noun

Definition of enterprise for English Language Learners

: a project or activity that involves many people and that is often difficult
: a business organization
: the ability or desire to do dangerous or difficult things or to solve problems in new ways