show business

noun

: the arts, occupations, and businesses (such as theater, movies, and television) that comprise the entertainment industry

Examples of show business in a Sentence

She has been in show business for over 30 years.

actors trying to break into show business

Recent Examples on the Web

In the book, the star detailed her prolific and sometimes difficult career in show business; growing up under the harsh light of Hollywood; and the highs and lows of filming hit TV shows like Heroes and Nashville, and more. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

In 2022, Panettiere opened up to PEOPLE about getting her start in show business at 11 months old, as a child model. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

The proposition has spun some of the most famous and powerful people in show business — Greta Gerwig, Robbie, David Zaslav, Bryan Lourd, Ryan Gosling, Noah Baumbach and Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy — into a pink world of chaos. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Lindsay Lohan had already been a fashion model with Ford Models since the age of 3, and, at the time of her television debut, was considered a young show business veteran. — Dylan Kickham, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for show business

• agribusiness
• nonbusiness

Kids Definition

show business

noun

: the arts, occupations, and companies that make up the entertainment industry