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
But The New York Times reported the documents don’t indicate any evidence of criminal behavior, despite Gabbard’s claims, and merely show Obama administration officials pressuring intelligence agencies to complete their review quickly.
—
Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 25 July 2025
The previous girlfriend warned Turner of Becton's behavior early in their relationship, but was unable to convince Turner to leave Becton, the affidavit states.
—Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
In an elusive pursuit of finding a middle ground, executives at OpenAI have even considered accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 July 2025
His recent interview about his anxiety has created pockets of the internet now questioning his behavior and creating memes about him.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for behavior
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Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 25 July 2025
The previous girlfriend warned Turner of Becton's behavior early in their relationship, but was unable to convince Turner to leave Becton, the affidavit states.
—Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
In an elusive pursuit of finding a middle ground, executives at OpenAI have even considered accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 July 2025
His recent interview about his anxiety has created pockets of the internet now questioning his behavior and creating memes about him.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 29 Jul. 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
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