enterprise
EHN-tuh-pryz
Enterprise (noun) means a business or organization, especially one involved in a significant undertaking. Example: “The family runs a small but thriving enterprise selling handmade furniture.”
noun
1
A business or organization, especially one involved in a significant undertaking.
"The family runs a small but thriving enterprise selling handmade furniture."
"The bakery grew from a tiny stall into a large enterprise."
"Several local enterprises offered work experience to students this summer."
2
A bold or ambitious project, especially one that involves risk.
"Climbing the mountain in winter was a risky enterprise."
"Sailing around the world alone is a daring enterprise."
"The expedition was an ambitious enterprise that few people thought would succeed."
3
Initiative and willingness to take on new or risky projects.
"The award recognized her enterprise in launching the community garden project."
"Her enterprise impressed the manager, who gave her the new project."
"With a little enterprise, you could turn that hobby into a real job."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- enterprises
- Third person singular
- enterprises
- Past tense
- enterprised
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The family runs a small but thriving _____ selling handmade furniture.
Etymology
From Old French entreprise, "something undertaken," from entreprendre, "to undertake."
Synonyms
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venture
undertaking
operation
endeavour
project
corporation
initiative
enterprisingness
endeavor
business
company
firm
Related words
Rhymes for enterprise
See all rhymes for enterprise →Frequently asked questions
What does “enterprise” mean?
The word “enterprise” means a business or organization, especially one involved in a significant undertaking. In plain terms, a business, or more broadly, any bold and often risky project — and the drive needed to pursue one.
How do you pronounce “enterprise”?
“Enterprise” is pronounced EHN-tuh-pryz (/ˈɛntɚˌpɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “enterprise” in a sentence?
Here is “enterprise” used in a sentence: “The family runs a small but thriving enterprise selling handmade furniture.”
What is another word for “enterprise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “enterprise” include business, company and firm.
What part of speech is “enterprise”?
“Enterprise” is a noun.
Where does the word “enterprise” come from?
The word “enterprise” comes from Old French. From Old French entreprise, "something undertaken," from entreprendre, "to undertake.".
Is “enterprise” a common word?
“Enterprise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “enterprise” have?
“Enterprise” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a business or organization, especially one involved in a significant undertaking.
What is the difference between an enterprise and a company?
A company is a legally organized business, while enterprise is a broader word covering any business or organization, especially one engaged in a significant undertaking. Enterprise can also name a bold or ambitious project itself, so a company can launch an enterprise. In business software and government writing, "enterprise" often implies a large organization.
What is the difference between an enterprise and a venture?
Both words can describe a bold project involving risk, but venture puts more weight on the risk and uncertainty, as in "business venture" or "venture capital." Enterprise can also refer to the organization carrying out the project, a sense venture does not usually have.
When should you use enterprise instead of business?
Business is the everyday word; enterprise is more formal and tends to appear in official, economic, or technology contexts, such as "small and medium-sized enterprises" or "enterprise software." Choose enterprise when you want to emphasize scale or ambition, or the undertaking itself rather than day-to-day trade.
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