private enterprise

noun

: free enterprise

Examples of private enterprise in a Sentence

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.
Even as some Americans look fondly to Canada and Western Europe, with their generous welfare states, these countries have market economies with plenty of private enterprise. — Jason Thurlkill, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 The government will regulate private pharmacies Allowing private pharmacies is part of a package of 176 economic measures approved by Cuba’s Parliament in June to expand private enterprise and help address the country’s economic crisis. — Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 But in recent years, trade between the two countries has changed significantly, as government spending decreased due to the country’s economic collapse, while micro, small and medium private enterprises filled the gap. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 Allowing private pharmacies is part of a package of 176 economic measures approved by Cuba’s Parliament in June to expand private enterprise and help address the country’s economic crisis. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for private enterprise

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of private enterprise was in 1789

Rhymes for private enterprise

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Browse Nearby Words

private detective
private enterprise
private equity
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Cite this Entry

“Private enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20enterprise. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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