industry

/ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē/

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)

noun

  1. manufacturing activity as a whole

  2. a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises

  3. a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture; especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing

the nation's industry

the banking 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.

noun

  1. an industry whose labor force consists of family units or individuals working at home with their own equipment

  2. a small and often informally organized industry

  3. a limited but enthusiastically pursued activity or subject

noun

  1. a business that has become increasingly popular or profitable; also : an interest or activity that is increasingly popular or trendy