industry

play

noun in·dus·try \ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē\

Definition of industry

plural

industries

1 : diligence in an employment or pursuit; especially : steady or habitual effort
2a : systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of valueb : a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture; especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturingc : a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises the banking industryd : manufacturing activity as a whole the nation's industry
3 : work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author the Shakespeare industry

See industry defined for English-language learners

See industry defined for kids

Examples of industry in a Sentence

He favors policies that promote industry.
She invested in several large industries.
She became so popular that a whole industry grew up around her and her image.

Recent Examples of industry from the Web

Los Ríos, with 32 families, sits more than an hour’s hike through mud and rivers, cut off from hospitals, markets and virtually every industry except drugs.

— nicholas casey, New York Times, "After Decades of War, Colombian Farmers Face a New Test: Peace," 18 July 2017
That’s because the focus on epic productions has proven more consistent in recent years—perhaps to the detriment of the film industry at large.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "A Wrinkle in Time Defies Disney’s Sequel-Filled Future," 18 July 2017
As T.H.R. points out, the TV industry’s reboot craze hasn’t extended quite as much toward unscripted shows, but there is precedent for series like America’s Next Top Model and Fear Factor recently getting dusted off and put back on the air.

— vanityfair.com, "G.T.L. for Life: Jersey Shore Set for a Reunion Series at E!," 14 July 2017
A section of the legislation would prevent U.S. companies from doing business anywhere in the world with Russian interests, causing consternation in the capital-intensive energy industry where foreign partnerships are common.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "These Russian Sanctions Are a No-Brainer. What Is Paul Ryan Waiting for?," 14 July 2017
Rounding out the top five of Billboard's annual list of the 40 highest earners in the music industry were Bruce Springsteen, Drake, and Adele.

— andrea park, Teen Vogue, "Beyoncé Named Highest-Earning Artist of 2016," 14 July 2017
Looking more broadly at energy demand, including that for domestic heating, transport and industry, the share of wind and solar is a minuscule 1.6% (see chart).

— The Economist, "At what cost?Can the world thrive on 100% renewable energy?," 13 July 2017
On Wednesday night, though, the industry received welcome news.

— max londberg, kansascity, "High demand: State of emergency in Nevada proposed to maintain sufficient weed supply," 13 July 2017
Luke's Lobster's processing arm, Cape Seafood, expects to ship five million pounds this year, part of a crucial industry for Maine.

— CBS News, "Lobster roll popularity driving up Maine lobster prices despite record catches," 13 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of industry

Middle English (Scots) industrie, from Middle French, from Latin industria, from industrius diligent, from Old Latin indostruus, perhaps from indu in + -struus (akin to Latin struere to build) — more at end-, strew

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of industry

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.

Other Business Terms

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

INDUSTRY Defined for English Language Learners

industry

play

noun

Definition of industry for English Language Learners

: the process of making products by using machinery and factories
: a group of businesses that provide a particular product or service
: the habit of working hard and steadily

INDUSTRY Defined for Kids

industry

play

noun in·dus·try \ˈin-də-strē\

Definition of industry for Students

plural

industries

1 : businesses that provide a certain product or service the oil industry the shipping industry
2 : manufacturing activity In May, industry slowed down.
3 : the habit of working hard and steadily Rab did not immediately spring into action to make a good show of his industry before his master. — Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain