Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of business
"Local businesses are preparing for the holiday rush by stocking up on inventory and hiring seasonal staff."
In plain English: Businesses are companies that sell products or services to make money.
"Many local businesses closed down after the storm damaged their buildings."
Usage: Use "businesses" to refer to multiple commercial establishments or organizations involved in trade and industry. Do not use it to describe general affairs or activities, which should remain singular as the phrase "doing business."
Derived from Old French besongne (work) via Middle English, this plural noun originally referred to tasks or duties before evolving to mean commercial enterprises. The root is ultimately Germanic in origin, related to words meaning labor or toil.