businessman

noun

busi·​ness·​man ˈbiz-nəs-ˌman How to pronounce businessman (audio)
-nəz-, 
-mən
Synonyms of businessmannext
: a man who transacts business
especially : a business executive

Examples of businessman in a Sentence

I know it's hard for him to sell his paintings. He's always been a better artist than businessman.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At the center of the story was the CEO of the refinery company, Texas businessman John Calce. — Justin Elliott, ProPublica, 2 July 2026 The businessman employed an array of shell companies and strawmen to sign documents on his behalf, and to stand in for him as operators of his companies, according to the affidavit. — Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana. — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Soon, a local businessman (Éric Elmosnino’s Don Emmanuel) is running roughshod over the community, basically enslaving the indigenous population to build a casino. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for businessman

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of businessman was in 1803

Rhymes for businessman

See All Rhymes for businessman

Browse Nearby Words

business machine
businessman
businessman's risk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Businessman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/businessman. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

businessman

noun
busi·​ness·​man ˈbiz-nə-ˌsman How to pronounce businessman (audio)
-nəz-ˌman
: a man in business especially as an owner or manager

More from Merriam-Webster on businessman

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for businessman

Nglish: Translation of businessman for Spanish Speakers

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