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

Treasury contends that Maarij arranged for oil to be diverted to an Iraqi businessman, Salim Ahmed Said, who was sanctioned by the U.S. last year for smuggling Iranian oil blended with Iraqi oil.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The loan to the businessman was secured with around $450 million worth of stock.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Captain Johan Potgieter was tasked with capturing a crocodile suspected of eating a businessman who had been swept away by floodwater.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Phelan, a former businessman with close ties to Trump who helped fundraising efforts for his presidential campaigns, ran afoul of both the president and Hegseth during his tenure, according to CNN.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

The businessman didn’t know what to make of it.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman