industry

noun in·dus·try \ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē\

: the process of making products by using machinery and factories

: a group of businesses that provide a particular product or service

: the habit of working hard and steadily

plural in·dus·tries

Full Definition of INDUSTRY

: diligence in an employment or pursuit; especially : steady or habitual effort

a : systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value

b : a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture; especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing

c : a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises <the banking industry>

d : manufacturing activity as a whole <the nation's industry>

: work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author <the Shakespeare industry>

See industry defined for English-language learners

See industry defined for kids

Origin of INDUSTRY

Middle English (Scots) industrie, from Middle French, from Latin industria, from industrius diligent, from Old Latin indostruus, perhaps from indu in + -struus (akin to Latin struere to build) — more at end-, strew

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INDUSTRY

Synonyms: assiduity, assiduousness, industriousness, diligence, sedulity, sedulousness

Synonym Discussion of INDUSTRY

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.

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

INDUSTRY Defined for Kids

industry

noun in·dus·try \ˈin-də-strē\

plural in·dus·tries

Definition of INDUSTRY for Kids

: businesses that provide a certain product or service <the oil industry> <the shipping industry>

: manufacturing activity <In May, industry slowed down.>

: the habit of working hard and steadily <Rab did not immediately spring into action to make a good show of his industry before his master. — Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain>

Learn More About INDUSTRY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "industry"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "industry"

Nglish: Translation of "industry" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "industry" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "industry"

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