private enterprise

American  

noun

1. free enterprise.

---

private enterprise British  

noun

1. economic activity undertaken by private individuals or organizations under private ownership Compare public enterprise

2. another name for capitalism

---

private enterprise Cultural  

1. Business carried on for profit and not owned by the government; also, the system that discourages public ownership of business; the same as free enterprise. (See private sector.)

---

Etymology

Origin of private enterprise

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

If the Pentagon wins at trial, what are the long-term implications for American private enterprise?

From The Wall Street Journal

“Chinese artificial intelligence companies are legitimate competition for U.S. Big Tech and major venture capital-backed private enterprise,” he explains.

From Barron's

“Chinese artificial intelligence companies are legitimate competition for U.S. Big Tech and major venture capital-backed private enterprise,” he explains.

From Barron's

Zou also said the central bank will increase quotas for several relending tools to step up support for agriculture, technology and innovation, as well as private enterprises.

From The Wall Street Journal

“What’s ideal is an ability for investors to negotiate in Caracas with both the government and private enterprises,” Humes of Greylock said.

From The Wall Street Journal