noun
enterprise
EHN-tuh-pryz
noun
1
A business or organization, especially one involved in a significant undertaking.
"The family runs a small but thriving enterprise selling handmade furniture."
2
A bold or ambitious project, especially one that involves risk.
"Climbing the mountain in winter was a risky enterprise."
3
Initiative and willingness to take on new or risky projects.
"The award recognized her enterprise in launching the community garden project."
How to Use Enterprise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA business, or more broadly, any bold and often risky project — and the drive needed to pursue one.
Common pairings
a private enterprise
free enterprise
a risky enterprise
spirit of enterprise
Word Forms
enterprised past tense, enterprises plural, enterprises singular
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The family runs a small but thriving _____ selling handmade furniture.
Etymology
From Old French entreprise, "something undertaken," from entreprendre, "to undertake."