enterprise
noun
en·ter·prise
ˈen-tər-ˌprīz 
ˈen-tə-ˌprīz
1
: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2
a
: a unit of economic organization or activity
especially
: a business organization
b
: a systematic purposeful activity
agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people
3
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative
showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis
Synonyms
Examples of enterprise in a Sentence
Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise.
Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people.
When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise.
He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web
The money solicited by Champion-Cain was instead diverted to her and her business enterprises, many of which were failing.
—
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
Two of Chatfield's top aides also face charges for allegedly conducting a criminal enterprise while working for Chatfield that included embezzling funds from nonprofits and campaign committees.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enterprise 
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
Two of Chatfield's top aides also face charges for allegedly conducting a criminal enterprise while working for Chatfield that included embezzling funds from nonprofits and campaign committees.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enterprise
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enterprise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near enterprise
Cite this Entry
“Enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterprise. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
enterprise
noun
en·ter·prise
ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprīz
1
: a difficult, complicated, or risky project or undertaking
2
: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action
showed great enterprise in the face of danger
3
: a business organization
enterpriser
noun
-ˌprī-zər
Legal Definition
enterprise
noun
en·ter·prise
ˈen-tər-ˌprīz
: an economic organization or activity
especially
: a business organization
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