show business

noun

Synonyms of show businessnext
: 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
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.
Producers, actors, writers and theater owners are not thrilled about the prospect of a mega-Netflix dominating show business, with major unions and trade groups expressing deep concern about the potential impact on jobs and communities. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 Kidman also gave Grande some sage advice about being in show business. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 25 Nov. 2025 The show was initially green-lit for two seasons after Cooper’s initial pitch to the network — a rarity in show business. Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025 The lively musical number is pure show business with an underlying truth to it, just one of many things throughout this film that play in a real world slowly turning authoritarian. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for show business

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of show business was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show%20business. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

show business

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

More from Merriam-Webster on show business

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!