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small business

American

[smawl biz-nis] / ˈsmɔl ˈbɪz nɪs /

noun

a profit-seeking enterprise or concern that is independently owned and operated, has a limited number of employees, and is not nationally dominant in its field.

Etymology

Origin of small business

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a Reddit post that has been widely circulated online, a self-described white 67-year-old Trump-supporting small business owner shared his shock and regret at watching his immigrant employees terrorized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

"It costs so much to run a small business in New York City that our beloved local restaurants are forced to charge these prices just so they can survive, not even thrive," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Many executives, small business owners and entrepreneurs complain about the state’s high taxes and cost of living, which, coupled with strict environmental regulations, can hinder business operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Prosecutors allege that Pildes defrauded tens of thousands of people and small business owners who participated in the event from 2019 to April 2026.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Thomas Volpe owned his own small business, a tavern called the Rex Café.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023