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.

---

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.

---

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

---

enterprise Idioms  

1. see free enterprise.

---

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

“Until we see strong evidence that enterprises are purchasing AI-based solutions at scale, it is hard to predict a turnaround for enterprise software companies,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Meanwhile, larger revenue pools for India IT services providers should emerge when enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence occurs, which is likely to gather pace over the next 12-18 months, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

And the demand will come from both smaller cloud-service providers and enterprise and sovereign data centers—not just hyperscalers.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

In all, he said, he devotes four to five hours a day to his one-man enterprise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

He began work on a series of rules for thinking which would help him establish the truth; he sold some property so that he could be self-sufficient and concentrate on his great enterprise.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

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