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”

Explanation

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.

Example Sentences

The arrival of Agentforce the following year gave Salesforce a way to tap in to rising enterprise interest in AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

A leaked memo this week showed that the AI lab sees its relationship with Amazon as part of a plan to win over enterprise customers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

As a fragile cease-fire holds in the Middle East and AI disruption fears fade, investors are finding a surprise safe harbor in everything from semiconductors to enterprise software.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

But there could be some bright spots before that, including adoption of Copilot Cowork and Microsoft 365 E7, the company’s AI-driven enterprise subscription platform due to be rolled out next month, according to Wood.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

He had begun his activist career as a follower of Du Bois, fighting to integrate interstate buses, and had ended up toiling in the fields of black enterprise, Booker T. Washington’s domain.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

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