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

Richardson’s biggest supporters were businesses, including PACs funded by oil companies, and law enforcement associations that said they advocated for candidates who shared their beliefs on free enterprise and public safety.

From Los Angeles Times

Combs is charged with leading an enterprise with a persistent pattern of racketeering activity from 2008 to 2024 that included Combs and his co-conspirators engaging in kidnapping, arson, and forced labor.

From Los Angeles Times

The enterprising former congressman from Florida is now selling personalized video messages on Cameo for several hundred dollars apiece.

From Salon

Delivering his verdict, Mr Justice McFarland said it was a "classic joint enterprise case" and not a case of a "crime gone wrong".

From BBC

The appeals judges said it was "unfortunate" that the case pitted two enterprising women who used their names as trademarks but were unaware that the other existed.

From BBC

Related Words

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