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 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

Synonyms

• assiduity
• assiduousness
• diligence
• industriousness
• sedulity
• sedulousness

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

The former environmental lawyer may also bring uncertainty to the pharmaceutical industry, which relies on federal health agencies to greenlight new products, keep old ones on the market, and, in some cases, fund research and development. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

With his guidance, these athletes have become fixtures within the global fashion industry. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024

But whatever the result, expect the indie film industry to carry on. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

Cassata says the industry perhaps grew too quickly so that crews did get short-handed occasionally, but that available crews and equipment rental companies are constantly expanding. —Stuart Miller, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing industry

• captain of industry
• cottage industry
• growth industry
• heavy industry
• inter-industry
• light industry
• multi-industry
• service industry
• sub-industry

Kids 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