industry

noun

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in·dus·try | \ ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē

plural industries

Essential Meaning of industry

1 : the process of making products by using machinery and factories He favors policies that promote industry.

2 : a group of businesses that provide a particular product or service the automobile/oil/computer industry the tourist/entertainment industry See More ExamplesShe invested in several large industries. She became so popular that a whole industry grew up around her and her image.Hide

3 : the habit of working hard and steadily She is admired for her industry. [=industriousness]

Full Definition of industry

1a : manufacturing activity as a whole the nation's industry

b : a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises the banking industry

c : a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing

d : systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value

2 : diligence in an employment or pursuit especially : steady or habitual effort

3 : work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author the Shakespeare industry

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About industry

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

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 on the Web Offshore wind steel fabrication jobs have been located overseas for decades but Ørsted envisions wind energy as a new 21st century American industry, David Hardy, CEO of Ørsted Offshore North America, said in Thursday’s announcement. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, 14 Oct. 2021 While much of the climate data used to create the model is publicly available, the most important data will come from the insurance industry, which could provide property and claims information, Henning said. — Peter Krouse, cleveland, 14 Oct. 2021 The beauty industry, which relies heavily on in-person services, has been devastated by the effects of Covid-19. — Samantha Chaney, CNN, 14 Oct. 2021 The asset management industry, like the rest of the finance world, is a far cry from being considered diverse. — Anne Sraders, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2021 Depending on the industry, organizational size, and the scope of projects featured, the job requirements will vary. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2021 The survey, which polled 800 Latinas and 800 non-Latinas online in both English and Spanish in July, covered a wide range of topics, including wealth, equality, industry, family, political elections and progress. — Julianne Pepitone, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2021 Or so is the view of the beauty industry, which uses fall to drop products that reset and restore after summer months spent in the sun, wind, water—or just away from your routine. — Fiorella Valdesolo, WSJ, 13 Oct. 2021 Mutual-aid groups, set up during the pandemic to assist unemployed service-industry and gig workers, jumped into action. — Anya Groner, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2021

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near industry

industrious

industry

indwell

Statistics for industry

Last Updated

16 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industry. Accessed 26 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for industry

industry

noun

in·dus·try | \ ˈin-də-strē

plural industries

Kids Definition of industry

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