Entrepreneur
/ˌɒn.trə.prəˈnɜːr/noun
A person who starts and runs their own business, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
Did you know?The term 'entrepreneur' can be traced back to the Latin 'inter prendere', meaning 'to undertake', which connects to the idea of taking significant risks, much like a magician conjuring something from nothing.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
entreprendre
“To undertake or begin a project.”
Late Middle Ages
French
entrepreneur
“One who undertakes a project or business venture, often implying risk.”
18th Century
French
entrepreneur
“A person who organizes and manages an enterprise, especially a business.”
19th Century
English
entrepreneur
“Adopted into English from French to describe a business innovator.”
Explore more surprising origins