enterprise Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
    endeavor; endeavour.
    • he had doubts about the whole enterprise
  2. noun an organization created for business ventures
    • a growing enterprise must have a bold leader
  3. noun readiness to embark on bold new ventures
    enterprisingness; initiative; go-ahead.

WordNet


En"ter*prise noun
Etymology
F. enterprise, fr. entreprendre to undertake; entre between (L. inter) + prendre to take. See Inter, and Emprise.
Definitions
  1. That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise. Shak.
    Their hands can not perform their enterprise. Job v. 12.
  2. Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.
En"ter*prise transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon. R.
    The business must be enterprised this night. Dryden.
    What would I not renounce or enterprise for you! T. Otway.
  2. To treat with hospitality; to entertain. Obs.
    Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. Spenser.
En"ter*prise intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult. R. Pope.

Webster 1913