First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
business
noun, busi·ness often attributive \ˈbiz-nəs, -nəz, Southern also ˈbid-\
: 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.
Full Definition of BUSINESS
1
archaic : purposeful activity : busyness
2
3
a : 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>
5
6
: movement or action (as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation —called also stage business
7
a : personal concern <none of your business> b : right <you have no business speaking to me that way>
8
a : serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions <got down to business> b : maximum effort
9
10
: a bowel movement —used especially of pets
See business defined for English-language learners
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Examples of BUSINESS
- 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
- Such high attrition means that most of the dot-coms here today will be gone tomorrow. The business environment is already harsh, and competition is growing. —Ann Thayer, Chemical & Engineering News, 5 June 2000
- Lancaster and Columbia have plenty of history apart from the Civil War, of course. For example, Lancaster was home to F.W. Woolworth's first successful 5&10 and Milton S. Hershey's first successful candy business. —Lancaster New Era, 2 July 1996
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Origin of BUSINESS
Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness
Related to BUSINESS
- Antonyms
- allegiance, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, staunchness, steadfastness
Synonym Discussion of 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
Other Business Terms
BUSINESS Defined for Kids
business
noun busi·ness \ˈbiz-nəs\
Definition of BUSINESS for Kids
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
: 1matter 1 <Cleaning up the mess was an unpleasant business.>
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