Business | Definition of business by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of BUSINESS

1

archaic : purposeful activity : busyness

2

a : 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

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>

4

: affair, matter <the whole business got out of hand> <business as usual>

5

: creation, concoction

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

a : a damaging assault

b : rebuke, tongue-lashing

c : double cross

10

: a bowel movement —used especially of pets

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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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BUSINESS

Synonyms: custom, patronage

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.

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