behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
bi-ˈhā-vyər 
bē-
1
: the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves (see behave sense 1)
We were grateful for the gracious behavior of our hostess.
The children were rewarded for good behavior.
Be on your best behavior.
also
: an instance of such behavior
unacceptable social behaviors
2
a
: the manner of conducting (see conduct entry 1 sense 2) oneself
criminal behavior
normal adolescent behavior
b
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
c
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
They are studying the behavior of elephants in the wild.
3
: the way in which something functions or operates
They tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Synonyms
Examples of behavior in a Sentence
I'm surprised by her bad behavior toward her friends.
Students will be rewarded for good behavior.
scientists studying the behavior of elephants
An acceptable social behavior in one country may be unacceptable in another country.
Doctors are trying to educate people about behaviors that can put them at increased risk for skin cancer.
The experiment tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Surrender control over addiction and other negative behaviors to a higher power.
—
Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But even if that’s true, fans are justified to call out a response that normalizes Trump’s current behavior as if this were any other president.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2025
What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
The Covid pandemic also dramatically altered consumer behavior toward online shopping, which has helped Amazon’s annual North America sales increase more than 100% since 2019, the year before the pandemic.
—Robert Hum, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for behavior 
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.
Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But even if that’s true, fans are justified to call out a response that normalizes Trump’s current behavior as if this were any other president.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2025
What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
The Covid pandemic also dramatically altered consumer behavior toward online shopping, which has helped Amazon’s annual North America sales increase more than 100% since 2019, the year before the pandemic.
—Robert Hum, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for behavior
Articles Related to behavior
Dictionary Entries Near behavior
Cite this Entry
“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
bi-ˈhā-vyər
1
: the way in which one conducts oneself
2
: the way in which something (as a machine) behaves
3
: anything that a living being does that involves action and response to stimulation
Medical Definition
behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
variants
or chiefly British behaviour
1
: the manner of conducting oneself
2
a
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
b
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share