enterprise

¹

[ en-ter-prahyz ]

noun

1. a project undertaken or to be undertaken, especially one that is important or difficult or that requires boldness or energy:

   To keep the peace is a difficult enterprise.

   Synonyms: venture, undertaking, plan

2. a plan for such a project.
3. participation or engagement in such projects:

   Our country was formed by the enterprise of resolute men and women.

4. boldness or readiness in undertaking; adventurous spirit; ingenuity.

   Synonyms: aggressiveness, ambition, push, drive

5. a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.
6. none Enterprise. Military. the first nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1961, with a displacement of 89,000 tons (80,723 metric tons) and eight reactors.
7. none Enterprise. U.S. Aerospace. the first space shuttle, used for atmospheric flight and landing tests.

adjective

1. intended for use or consumption by a business firm rather than a consumer:

   enterprise security; enterprise software.

Enterprise

²

[ en-ter-prahyz ]

noun

1. a city in southern Alabama.

enterprise

/ ˈɛntəˌpraɪz /

noun

1. a project or undertaking, esp one that requires boldness or effort
2. participation in such projects
3. readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy
4. 1. initiative in business
   2. ( as modifier )

      the enterprise culture

5. a business unit; a company or firm

Derived Forms

• ˈenterˌpriser, noun

Other Words From

• en·ter·prise·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enterprise¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, noun use of feminine of entrepris (past participle of entreprendre “to undertake”), from Latin inter- inter- + prehēnsus, prēnsus, past participle of prehendere, prēndere “to grasp, seize,” equivalent to pre- pre- + -hendere “to grasp”

Word History and Origins

Origin of enterprise¹

C15: from Old French entreprise (n), from entreprendre from entre- between (from Latin: inter- ) + prendre to take, from Latin prehendere to grasp

Idioms and Phrases

see free enterprise .

Example Sentences

Norman J. Ornstein, a left-leaning emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who has written extensively about the Senate’s dysfunction, said Senate Republicans scuttled Gaetz’s nomination because they anticipated more evidence of sexual misconduct by Gaetz coming out.

From Los Angeles Times

The Justice Department previously returned an indictment against El Mencho in April 2022, charging him with leading a continuing criminal enterprise to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for importation into the U.S., according to the Department of Justice.

From Los Angeles Times

In July, she decided to unload the entire enterprise, now called Paramount Global, to the Larry Ellison family.

From Los Angeles Times

Rick Hess, an education expert with the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said he also was not familiar with McMahon but cautioned against quick judgments.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts’ basketball career began in Redding, where she was a guard on the Enterprise High basketball team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• activity
• business
• company
• firm
• operation
• program
• project
• trade
• venture