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.
a plan for such a project.
participation or engagement in such projects.
Our country was formed by the enterprise of resolute men and women.
boldness or readiness in undertaking; adventurous spirit; ingenuity.
a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.
Military. none Enterprise 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.
U.S. Aerospace. none Enterprise the first space shuttle, used for atmospheric flight and landing tests.
a project or undertaking, esp one that requires boldness or effort
participation in such projects
readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy
initiative in business
( as modifier )
the enterprise culture
a business unit; a company or firm
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”
Enterprise describes a readiness to act boldly to get something started, like the enterprise it takes to start a charity with only a dream and a few dollars. Another meaning of enterprise is "a business venture," like a frozen yogurt enterprise. It requires a lot of determination, hard work and the steady belief that people will love your yogurt. People will say you show extraordinary enterprise for your willingness to take on such a challenging project, meaning you have initiative and drive.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“They took the opportunity during the shutdown to rework the enterprise, to come out as a better, more profitable business,” Monroe said.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026
The sale was arranged by Scott Keeney, founder of the Realest, a Los Angeles-based enterprise specializing in sports and entertainment memorabilia.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
Today, the family enterprise spans three generations, with Gus's children stepping into the business.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
But this is a viable media enterprise that I’m really interested in for the sake of comedy and the opportunity for outsider or fringe comedy.
From Slate ● Jul. 12, 2026
First, the achievement of the revolutionary generation was a collective enterprise that succeeded because of the diversity of personalities and ideologies present in the mix.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
He cited some name-brand examples: Marriott for hotels, Alaska Airlines, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
In an article for conservative think-tank the American Enterprise Institute, Brett Schaefer and Roger Bate acknowledge the risk of stepping away from the multilateral system, especially the withdrawal from the WHO.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
The rental car would cost about $430, according to estimates from car-rental company Enterprise.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026
Arthur Gailes is a research fellow and Edward Pinto is a co-director at the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center.
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
I felt like I was on a transporter pad, except no one ever had to hold their hands above their head for three seconds on the Enterprise.
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
I hadn’t thought about it so much in the beginning, and this is not remotely to compare myself to him, but our enterprises have a lot of similarities.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
That’s set to accelerate in the coming years as enterprises begin to deploy more agents.
From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026
He said that while investors may still be “questioning the growth algorithm” of the industry, “widespread stories about enterprises replacing every software solution with AI aren’t reality.”
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026
It also defended its record in Cambodia, saying its support for microfinance lenders in the country had helped provide funding to around 400,000 micro, small and midsize enterprises every year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
And by noon, many citizens engaged in various local enterprises were talking excitedly to each other about how feisty little Joe Mondragon had gone and diverted the water illegally into his parents’ no-account beanfield.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
