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business noun, often attributive
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busi·ness | \ ˈbiz-nəs , -nəz, Southern also ˈbid- \
Definition of business
1a : a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood : TRADE, LINE
in the restaurant business
b : a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise
also : such enterprises
the business district
c : dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature : PATRONAGE
took their business elsewhere
2a : ROLE, FUNCTION
how the human mind went about its business of learning
— H. A. Overstreet
b : an immediate task or objective : MISSION
what is your business here
c : a particular field of endeavor
the best in the business
3 : AFFAIR, MATTER
the whole business got out of hand
business as usual
4a : personal concern
none of your business
b : RIGHT
you have no business speaking to me that way
5a : serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions
got down to business
b : maximum effort
6 : CREATION, CONCOCTION
7 : movement or action (such as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish
atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation
— called also stage business
8a : a damaging assault
b : REBUKE, TONGUE-LASHING
c : DOUBLE CROSS
9 : a bowel movement —used especially of pets
10 archaic : purposeful activity : BUSYNESS
Synonyms
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Synonyms for business
Synonyms
custom, patronage
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Choose the Right Synonym for business
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.
synonyms see in addition work
Examples of business in a Sentence
Forever Odd is a direct sequel to 2003's Odd Thomas, the book in which we were introduced to the title
character, a young man who can see the dead. They can't talk to him, but they can nudge him in the
direction they want, which is usually to help them tidy up some unfinished business from when they
were alive.
— Charles De Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction, May 2006
The Sun may never set, but air temperatures can plummet to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and blinding
snowstorms appear without warning. Sunbathing here can be risky business: even huddled in our parkas
and boots, the members of our expedition live under the constant threat of frostbite and hypothermia.
— Terrie M. Williams, Natural History, October 2003
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Recent Examples on the Web
Cataldo's family operates Jo-Cat's pub, another Brady Street business.
— Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A new restaurant called St. Bibiana is planned for Brady
Street," 10 Jan. 2020
Neon plans to launch later this year but has not yet landed on a business model.
— Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, "Neon's 'artificial human' is a scary glimpse of the future that's
(mostly) still hype," 10 Jan. 2020
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current
usage of the word 'business.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-
Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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First Known Use of business
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 10
History and Etymology for business
Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness
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Time Traveler for business
The first known use of business was in the 14th century
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
image536372841
Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes
Dictionary Entries near business
bushy stunt
bushy-tailed rat
busine
business
business administration
business as usual
business car
See More Nearby Entries
Phrases Related to business
all that business
business as usual
business community
business day
business district
business hours
business is business
Statistics for business
Look-up Popularity
Top 20% of words
Cite this Entry
“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/business. Accessed 11 Jun. 2020.
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More Definitions for business
business noun
English Language Learners Definition of business
: the activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money
: work that is part of a job
: the amount of activity that is done by a store, company, factory, etc.
See the full definition for business in the English Language Learners Dictionary
business noun
busi·ness | \ ˈbiz-nəs \
Kids Definition of business
1 : the activity of making, buying, and selling goods or services
We're open for business.
2 : a commercial enterprise
She's starting a new business.
3 : the normal activity of a person or group
Learning is the business of a student.
4 : personal concerns
It's none of your business.
5 : MATTER entry 1 sense 1
Cleaning up the mess was an unpleasant business.
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More from Merriam-Webster on business
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for business
Spanish Central: Translation of business
Nglish: Translation of business for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of business for Arabic Speakers
Comments on business
What made you want to look up business? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the
quote, if possible).
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