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.
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
Commissioner Rob Manfred issues his ruling following the completion of the investigation of allegations of improper behavior towards a number of women against former manager and coach Mickey Callaway.
—
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
The dispute assumed higher stakes after Trump took office, and federal courts across the country started to push back on the new Administration’s behavior.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
In a Manhattan federal criminal courtroom, rapper and producer Sean Combs is facing an overdue reckoning for years of predatory behavior.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
The emergent behaviors of these systems, often unpredictable and complex, represent a further step towards forms of intelligence that challenge our definitions and assumptions.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for behavior
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.
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
The dispute assumed higher stakes after Trump took office, and federal courts across the country started to push back on the new Administration’s behavior.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
In a Manhattan federal criminal courtroom, rapper and producer Sean Combs is facing an overdue reckoning for years of predatory behavior.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
The emergent behaviors of these systems, often unpredictable and complex, represent a further step towards forms of intelligence that challenge our definitions and assumptions.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for behavior
Cite this Entry
“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share