enterprise

¹ American  

[en-ter-prahyz] / ˈɛn tərˌpraɪz /

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:

   ambition, push, aggressiveness, drive

5. a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.

6. 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.

7. U.S. Aerospace. none Enterprise the first space shuttle, used for atmospheric flight and landing tests.

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adjective

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

   enterprise security; enterprise software.

Enterprise ² American  

[en-ter-prahyz] / ˈɛn tərˌpraɪz /

noun

1. a city in southern Alabama.

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enterprise British  

/ 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

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enterprise Idioms  

1. see free enterprise.

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Other Word Forms

• enterpriseless adjective
• enterpriser noun

Etymology

Origin of enterprise

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”

Example Sentences

The company’s business has skyrocketed in that time, transforming it from a niche videogame-chip provider to the world’s most valuable enterprise.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company has differentiated itself in the fast-paced market by emphasizing tools for coding assistance, which do lend themselves to enterprise use cases.

From MarketWatch

China has implemented a fragmented, administrative stimulus approach, channeling support through local governments, state banks, and state-owned enterprises.

From Barron's

The US proposal, according to Zelensky, is for the US to manage the plant as a joint enterprise with Russia and Ukraine.

From BBC

Many, including Musk, amass wealth through private enterprises that can be difficult to value.

From Barron's

Related Words

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