business
busi-ness · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A commercial organization or enterprise.
- 2.
Commercial activity involving buying and selling.
- 3.
Work or occupation.
- 4.
A matter or affair requiring attention.
- 5.
One's personal concern or responsibility.
Forms
plural: businesses
Phrases & expressions
- •mind your own business — don't interfere in others' affairs
- •mean business — be serious about something
- •business as usual — normal operations despite difficulties
- •get down to business — start working on the main task
- •monkey business — mischievous or dishonest behavior
- •in business — ready to operate or start
- •go out of business — cease commercial operations
Related words
Etymology
From Old English "bisignis" meaning care, anxiety, or occupation, from "bisig" (busy) + "-nis" (suffix forming nouns).