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business definition

busi·ness (biz′nis)

noun

one's work, occupation, or profession
a special task, duty, or function
rightful concern or responsibility: no one's business but his own
a matter, affair, activity, etc.: the business of packing for a trip
the buying and selling of commodities and services; commerce; trade
a commercial or industrial establishment; store, factory, etc.
the trade or patronage of customers
commercial practice or policy
a bit of action in a drama, as pouring a drink, intended to establish character, take up a pause in dialogue, etc.

Origin: ME bisinesse < OE bisignes: see busy & -ness

adjective

busi·ness (bĭzˈnĭs)

noun

a. The occupation, work, or trade in which a person is engaged: the wholesale food business.
b. A specific occupation or pursuit: the best designer in the business.
Commercial, industrial, or professional dealings: new systems now being used in business.
A commercial enterprise or establishment: bought his uncle's business.
Volume or amount of commercial trade: Business had fallen off.
Commercial dealings; patronage: took her business to a trustworthy salesperson.
a. One's rightful or proper concern or interest: “The business of America is business” (Calvin Coolidge).
b. Something involving one personally: It's none of my business.
Serious work or endeavor: got right down to business.
An affair or matter: “We will proceed no further in this business” (Shakespeare).
An incidental action performed by an actor on the stage to fill a pause between lines or to provide interesting detail.
Informal Verbal abuse; scolding: gave me the business for being late.
Obsolete The condition of being busy.

Origin: Middle English businesse, from bisi, busy; see busy .