enterprise

noun

en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
ˈen-tə-ˌprīz
1
: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2
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
3
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative
showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis

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 on the Web
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.
It was based on broader strategic considerations related to the overall direction and competitiveness of our athletics enterprise in a rapidly changing environment. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025 Fifty-three percent of enterprises report implementing AI-specific tools, and 39% plan to expand AI/ML skills. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 His decision to equip local managers with enterprise ChatGPT has helped frontline staff prepare faster for upcoming events in their communities, for example. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Our enterprise valuation estimates measure a control sale price, instead of a limited partnership transaction. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enterprise

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enterprise was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterprise. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
1
: a difficult, complicated, or risky project or undertaking
2
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action
showed great enterprise in the face of danger
3
: a business organization
enterpriser
-ˌprī-zər
noun

Legal Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
: an economic organization or activity
especially : a business organization

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