businessman

noun

busi·​ness·​man ˈbiz-nəs-ˌman How to pronounce businessman (audio)
-nəz-, 
-mən
Synonyms of businessmannext
: a man who transacts business
especially : a business executive

Examples of businessman in a Sentence

I know it's hard for him to sell his paintings. He's always been a better artist than businessman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An enterprising businessman could see this kind of inefficiency and start an assassin training school in Westeros, kind of like whatever is going on with the ballerinas in the John Wick universe. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026 Bourke’s onetime Red Mountain neighbor was businessman Viktor Kozeny, according to WSJ. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 Best known for playing wealthy businessman George Russell on HBO’s Gilded Age, Spector has also appeared on Boardwalk Empire, Homeland, The Plot Against America, and Black Rabbit. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 The metal, glass and plastic gauge was a passion project for Baker businessman Willis Herron. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for businessman

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of businessman was in 1803

Rhymes for businessman

See All Rhymes for businessman

Browse Nearby Words

business machine
businessman
businessman's risk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Businessman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/businessman. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

businessman

noun
busi·​ness·​man ˈbiz-nə-ˌsman How to pronounce businessman (audio)
-nəz-ˌman
: a man in business especially as an owner or manager

More from Merriam-Webster on businessman

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for businessman

Nglish: Translation of businessman for Spanish Speakers

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