enterprise

noun

en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
ˈen-tə-ˌprīz
Synonyms of enterprisenext
1
: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2
a
: a unit of economic organization or activity
especially : a business organization
b
: a systematic purposeful activity
agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people
3
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative
showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis

Examples of enterprise in a Sentence

Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise. Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people. When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise. He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
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.
The enterprise technology company known mostly for its barcode scanners, RFID solutions and mobile handheld devices is exploring strategic alternatives for its robotics automation business. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 2025 Erwin declined to share specific valuation with Semafor, but Encore has a enterprise value of more than $5 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Smaller brands can rise faster by being precise, credible, and contextually relevant, while larger enterprises must relearn agility and authority at scale. Eugene Levin, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025 The association, which counts some 80,000 members, represents micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and provides services including business development support, legal and tax consultancy, networking activities, and international competitiveness promotion. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enterprise

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from entreprendre to undertake, from entre- inter- + prendre to take — more at prize

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enterprise was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterprise. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
1
: a difficult, complicated, or risky project or undertaking
2
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action
showed great enterprise in the face of danger
3
: a business organization
enterpriser
-ˌprī-zər
noun

Legal Definition

enterprise

noun
en·​ter·​prise ˈen-tər-ˌprīz How to pronounce enterprise (audio)
: an economic organization or activity
especially : a business organization

More from Merriam-Webster on enterprise

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