on business

(bĭz′nĭs)

n.

1. The activity of buying and selling commodities, products, or services:

new systems now being used in business.

2. The amount or volume of this activity:

Business was off all day.

3.

a. The variety of this activity in which a person is engaged:

the wholesale food business.

b. A specific occupation or pursuit:

the best designer in the business.

4. A commercial enterprise or establishment:

bought his uncle’s construction business.

5. Commercial dealings; patronage:

took her business to a trustworthy salesperson.

6.

a. One’s rightful or proper concern or interest:

“The business of America is business”

(Calvin Coolidge).

b. Something involving one personally:

It’s none of my business.

7. Serious work or endeavor:

got right down to business.

8. An affair or matter:

“We will proceed no further in this business”

(Shakespeare).

9. An incidental action performed by an actor on the stage to fill a pause between lines or to provide interesting detail.

10. Informal Strong verbal criticism; scolding:

gave me the business for being late.

11. Informal Urination or defecation:

The dog did its business on the lawn.

12. Obsolete The condition of being busy.