enterprise

¹

[ en-ter-prahyz ]

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: aggressiveness, ambition, push, drive

5. a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.
6. none Enterprise. Military. 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. none Enterprise. U.S. Aerospace. 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

[ en-ter-prahyz ]

noun

1. a city in southern Alabama.

enterprise

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈenterˌpriser, noun

Other Words From

• en·ter·prise·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enterprise¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of enterprise¹

C15: from Old French entreprise (n), from entreprendre from entre- between (from Latin: inter- ) + prendre to take, from Latin prehendere to grasp

Idioms and Phrases

see free enterprise .

Example Sentences

Or, like many enterprising DIYers, you could go to L.A.’s downtown Flower District, save some money and — gulp — do your flowers yourself.

From Los Angeles Times

"As a serial entrepreneur, Musk has been relentless in trying to improve institutional efficiency at his own enterprises, most notably, Tesla and X," says Thomas Gift, a professor of US politics at University College London.

From BBC

Lloyd modernizes the stagecraft, injecting avant-garde intrigue into what is ultimately a commercial enterprise.

From Los Angeles Times

Then the game happened - and it did not play out with the ferocity and enterprising rugby with which this fixture has become synonymous in recent years.

From BBC

Friday’s sentencing was the third in five days for participants in Huizar’s so-called “criminal enterprise.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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