enterprises

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of enterprise.

   Local enterprises banded together to fund the new community center.

   The fair showcased dozens of family-run enterprises from the region.

   Note

   Only the countable meanings of enterprise take this plural: a firm or organization, and a single venture or project, especially a daring one. The uncountable meanings, initiative and energy or active participation in projects, stay singular. A person shows enterprise, never enterprises. When you meet the plural, read it as businesses or undertakings, not as a quality of character.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of enterprise. Archaic.

   Note

   The verb behind this form works two ways. Used alone, it means to venture on something hazardous or difficult (she enterprises boldly). With an object, it means to undertake or attempt it (he enterprises a voyage). An older sense, to house or entertain someone, is obsolete and best avoided. The spelling is shared with the plural noun; a subject before it marks the verb.

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