industry

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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

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

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

c :a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises

the banking industry

d :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

A spokeswoman said the agency is awaiting a University of Illinois at Chicago study on the fingerprinting issue and is working with the industry on new standards for surge pricing.

— hal dardick, chicagotribune.com, "Beale urges ride-sharing driver fingerprinting, surge pricing limits," 30 Aug. 2017
AMIT also offers at-risk youth numerous courses and programs that teach practical and needed vocational skills, so students are prepared to play important roles in the automotive, mechanical, electrical and other growth industries.

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Boynton Judaica artist to lead workshop for Israeli charity," 30 Aug. 2017
Today’s Northstar comes courtesy of Lisa Maria Falcone, wife of hedge-fund manager Philip Falcone, who is currently in the midst of a time-out from the securities industry.

— bess levin, The Hive, "Trump’s Tariff Tantrum Makes Veruca Salt Look Like the Dalai Lama," 28 Aug. 2017
Visiting Black Tie Only’s temporary home behind the arena floor Tuesday morning, Arnold expressed concern that the colt’s ears were positioned more widely apart than the industry ideal.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Forged check pays dividends at horse show | Tim Sullivan," 22 Aug. 2017
For most of us in the fashion industry, and countless others, the Hamptons has remained the go-to for an easy weekend getaway.

— Harper's BAZAAR, "This Summer Cocktail is A-list Approved," 22 Aug. 2017
These big OSHA fines, experts agree, were meant to send a message to an industry notorious for flouting workplace safety regulations when working underground.

— mike hendricks, kansascity, "Weeks after employee died, Blue Springs firm cited for again violating safety rules," 19 Aug. 2017
Years later, in 1961, Walt Disney co-founded California Institute of the Arts, a school intended to be a feeder to Disney and the industry.

— robert ito, Los Angeles Magazine, "These Female Animators are Redrawing an Industry’s Gender Lines," 18 Aug. 2017
Carrella, a 20-year veteran of the restaurant and food service industry became CEO of the Nevin's group April 17.

— bill bird, Naperville Sun, "Closed Tommy Nevin's Pub to reopen as 'premium' steakhouse," 18 Aug. 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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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industry Synonyms

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

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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

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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

Learn More about industry

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for industry Spanish Central: Translation of industry Nglish: Translation of industry for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of industry for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about industry

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