Business
/ˈbɪznɪs/
Definitions
3 meaningsActivity related to the production, buying, or selling of goods and services.
/ˈbɪznɪs/
Commercial activity
His family has been in the fishing business for generations.
💡 Simply: Work that involves making, buying, or selling things.
More Examples
The restaurant business is highly competitive.
How It's Used
"The company's business is booming."
"He's in the banking business."
A commercial or industrial enterprise.
/ˈbɪznɪs/
A particular company
The small business struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic.
💡 Simply: A company that makes or sells things.
More Examples
She inherited the family business.
How It's Used
"She started her own business."
Matters or affairs of a private or personal nature.
/ˈbɪznɪs/
Affairs; matters
It's not my business what he does in his free time.
💡 Simply: Personal matters or concerns.
More Examples
Mind your own business!
How It's Used
"That's none of your business!"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
mean business
To be serious and determined.
"He means business when it comes to his work."
From Old French *businesse, from *bisoigne 'need, occupation'. Ultimately of Germanic origin.
The word 'business' has evolved from its early usage meaning 'need' or 'occupation' to encompass the broad range of commercial activity we understand today.
Memory tip
Think 'busy-ness' – it's all about activity.
Word Origin
"Need, occupation"