industry
noun
in·dus·try
ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē 
plural industries
1
a
: manufacturing activity as a whole
the nation's industry
b
: a distinct group of businesses that provide a particular product or service
the banking industry
c
: a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture
especially
: one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing
d
: systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value
left his country … to live by his own industry in England …—
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens2
: diligence in an employment or pursuit
especially
: steady or habitual effort
workers commended for their industry
3
: work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author
the Shakespeare industry
Examples of industry in a Sentence
He favors policies that promote industry.
She invested in several large industries.
She became so popular that a whole industry grew up around her and her image.
Recent Examples on the Web
That report shows the amount of money spent on sportsbook television advertising is down from a peak in 2021 and the industry airs far fewer commercials than the pharmaceutical sector.
—Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Adani built his fortune in the coal business in the 1990s and, over time, the Adani Group embraced a diverse portfolio, investing in industries such as renewable energy, defense and agriculture.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Surviving two and a half decades in any industry means being nimble when the ground inevitably shifts.
—Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
At the outset of the crisis, the family had pinned most of their hopes on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing oil and gas — including pollution from the industry and plugging old wells.
—Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for industry
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Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Adani built his fortune in the coal business in the 1990s and, over time, the Adani Group embraced a diverse portfolio, investing in industries such as renewable energy, defense and agriculture.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Surviving two and a half decades in any industry means being nimble when the ground inevitably shifts.
—Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
At the outset of the crisis, the family had pinned most of their hopes on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing oil and gas — including pollution from the industry and plugging old wells.
—Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for industry
Cite this Entry
“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industry. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
industry
noun
in·dus·try
ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē
plural industries
1
: the habit of working hard and steadily : diligence
2
: steady labor
lived by their own industry
3
a
: the businesses that provide a particular product or service
the steel industry
the tourist industry
b
: manufacturing activity
commerce and industry
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