WordGarden.iobusiness
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɪznəs/
US
- /ˈbɪznəs/
Meanings
Noun
commercial activity, trade, or industry
a company or commercial organization
work duties or official professional matters
More meaningsFewer meanings
a matter, concern, or private affair
urination or defecation, especially in do one's business
Beyond the definition
"Business" isn't just about making money—though that is often the goal! At its heart, it means the activity of creating, buying, or selling goods and services. Whether it's a local bakery, a tech startup, or a freelance dog-walking service, these are all examples of it. The word can also describe a serious or professional tone and mindset. If a meeting is "all business," it means the participants are focused and not wasting time on small talk. You might also hear the phrase "Mind your own business!" which is a common—and sometimes sharp—way of telling someone to stop interfering in matters that don't concern them. From the bustle of a marketplace to the privacy of personal affairs, "business" encompasses both purpose and activity.
The word "business" is incredibly versatile, spanning the worlds of commerce, professional duty, and personal privacy. Most commonly, it refers to a commercial enterprise or the collective activity of providing goods and services for profit. One might speak of "starting a business" or describe a "thriving family business" to denote a specific company. However, the word's reach extends far beyond the economy.
Historically derived from the idea of being "busy," it can refer to any serious occupation, task, or matter that requires attention. For example, if someone has "unfinished business," they have a lingering task or conflict that still needs to be resolved. In a professional setting, "business" often describes a specific tone; saying "let's get down to business" signals a shift from casual conversation to focused, productive work.
The word also plays a major role in social boundaries through various idioms. "Mind your own business" or "none of your business" asserts that a particular matter is private and should not be interfered with by outsiders. Conversely, someone might have "important business to attend to," implying they are occupied with serious duties. Whether you are discussing the "business cycle" of a nation's economy or simply attending to your daily "business," the word remains a fundamental pillar of the English language, signifying action, responsibility, and intent.
Examples
- 1
Starting a company
She wants to start her own business after college.
- 2
Family company
Her parents run a small family business.
- 3
Economic pressure
Small businesses are struggling with higher costs this year.
- 4
Commercial relationships
We do a lot of business with hotels and restaurants.
- Patterndo business with
buy from, sell to, or work commercially with
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Closing permanently
The shop went out of business last winter.
- Phrasego out of business
close permanently
- 6
Sales level
Business has been slow since the summer ended.
- 7
Work travel
I'm in Chicago on business until Thursday.
- Phraseon business
for work, not for a holiday
- 8
Serious topic
Let's get down to business and choose a date.
- Phraseget down to business
start dealing with the important matter
- 9
Personal privacy
It's none of your business how much I paid for it.
- Phrasenone of your business
not something you should ask about
- 10
Serious intent
When the manager walked in, everyone knew she meant business.
- Phrasemean business
be serious and determined
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- do business
- business deal
- business owner
- go out of business
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- businessnoun
Forms
- businessespluralnoun