small business
Americannoun
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.
Before the war, Iryna Terekh’s small business made outdoor furniture and ornaments such as benches, flower pots and wash basins.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
Earlier this month, the 56-year-old riled up New Zealand's business community after a speech calling on small business owners to "be adult".
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
“They look tough and unisex to me, with mild expressions, beautiful clothes, tights, ruffles and sleeves, plus a firearm. It’s a great symbol for being a warrior, especially as a small business owner.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
For instance, co-ops can reduce the risks of trying to go it alone to launch a small business.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026
She started a small business selling clothes and brought us money when she could.
From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.