industry

noun

in·​dus·​try ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē How to pronounce industry (audio)
plural industries
1
a
: manufacturing activity as a whole
the nation's industry
b
: a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises
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
2
: diligence in an employment or pursuit
especially : steady or habitual effort
3
: work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author
the Shakespeare industry
Choose the Right Synonym for industry

business, commerce, trade, industry, traffic mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities.

business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

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
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.
In an industry notorious for poor fit and lack of inclusivity, SNAG proves that sustainable products can also deliver comfort, durability, and representation. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Some require users to upload government IDs while others require the use of digital signals, according to the Free Speech Coalition, an adult industry trade association. Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 20 Sep. 2025 In my experience, focusing deeply on a core strength creates a competitive edge for your company to define the standard for your industry. David J. Adelman, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025 Working like 47,000 other Hawaiians in the euphemistically exceptional hospitality and tourism industry, John was a tour-bus driver whose route stopped at Smith’s. Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for industry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) industrie, from Middle French, from Latin industria, from industrius diligent, from Old Latin indostruus, perhaps from indu in + -struus (akin to Latin struere to build) — more at end-, strew

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of industry was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industry. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

industry

noun
in·​dus·​try ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē How to pronounce industry (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on industry

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