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
From rising costs and regulatory hurdles to shifts in investment behavior, the art market is at an inflection point.
—
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Additionally, anxiety or illness could cause a cat to hide under blankets, though these behaviors are usually harmless and rooted in their instincts or preferences.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Training is where the AI learns its behavior; deployment is where that behavior is put to use.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Filming Will Proceed Without Karen Huger amid Prison Sentence (Exclusive Source)
This isn't the first time that Stacey has been surprised by TJ's behavior on camera.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
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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Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Additionally, anxiety or illness could cause a cat to hide under blankets, though these behaviors are usually harmless and rooted in their instincts or preferences.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Training is where the AI learns its behavior; deployment is where that behavior is put to use.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Filming Will Proceed Without Karen Huger amid Prison Sentence (Exclusive Source)
This isn't the first time that Stacey has been surprised by TJ's behavior on camera.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behavior
Articles Related to behavior
Cite this Entry
“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior. Accessed 16 Mar. 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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