businessman

American  

[biz-nis-man] / ˈbɪz nɪsˌmæn /

noun

plural

businessmen

1. a man regularly employed in business, especially a white-collar worker, executive, or owner.

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businessman British  

/ ˈbɪznɪsˌmæn, -mən /

noun

1. a person, esp a man, engaged in commercial or industrial business, esp as an owner or executive

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Usage

There is a gender-neutral form, businessperson , but it does not appear to be very widely used. The plural business people is quite widely used, and if you wish to avoid being gender-specific, you could try recasting your sentence to use the plural

Etymology

Origin of businessman

First recorded in 1705–15; business + man

Example Sentences

His pizzazz was a large measure of his appeal, along with his manufactured image as a shrewd businessman with a kingly touch and infallible judgment.

From Los Angeles Times

Four subpoenas were yet to be served when the emails were sent, including to one "wealthy businessman in Ohio".

From BBC

Uncowed, his grandmother finished every story with the same message: "You have to become a businessman even if you only sell seasoned peanuts!"

From BBC

Reuven Morrison, reportedly a 62-year-old businessman who migrated from the Soviet Union in the 1970s, has been praised for trying to distract the gunmen.

From Barron's

The BBC has spoken to a former lecturer who describes essay cheating as an "open secret" and to a businessman who claims to have made millions from selling "model answer" essays to university students.

From BBC