behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
bi-ˈhā-vyər 
bē-
1
: the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves (see behave sense 1)
We were grateful for the gracious behavior of our hostess.
The children were rewarded for good behavior.
Be on your best behavior.
also
: an instance of such behavior
unacceptable social behaviors
2
a
: the manner of conducting (see conduct entry 1 sense 2) oneself
criminal behavior
normal adolescent behavior
b
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
c
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
They are studying the behavior of elephants in the wild.
3
: the way in which something functions or operates
They tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Synonyms
Examples of behavior in a Sentence
I'm surprised by her bad behavior toward her friends.
Students will be rewarded for good behavior.
scientists studying the behavior of elephants
An acceptable social behavior in one country may be unacceptable in another country.
Doctors are trying to educate people about behaviors that can put them at increased risk for skin cancer.
The experiment tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Until recently, this (and chewing with your mouth open) would have been the easy picks for the most annoying behaviors my kids do.
—
Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
How the news portrays companies’ behaviors, products, and future not only demonstrates public trust but shapes it, too.
—Heather Newman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Having the ability to distribute fentanyl and xylazine test strips ― one of the hallmarks of harm reduction ― can also lead to changes in behavior, Weston said.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
His behavior reflects a reality that many Christian women have experienced, Black women in particular.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for behavior 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
How the news portrays companies’ behaviors, products, and future not only demonstrates public trust but shapes it, too.
—Heather Newman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Having the ability to distribute fentanyl and xylazine test strips ― one of the hallmarks of harm reduction ― can also lead to changes in behavior, Weston said.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
His behavior reflects a reality that many Christian women have experienced, Black women in particular.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for behavior
Articles Related to behavior
Dictionary Entries Near behavior
Cite this Entry
“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
bi-ˈhā-vyər
1
: the way in which one conducts oneself
2
: the way in which something (as a machine) behaves
3
: anything that a living being does that involves action and response to stimulation
Medical Definition
behavior
noun
be·hav·ior
variants
or chiefly British behaviour
1
: the manner of conducting oneself
2
a
: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
b
: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
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