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
Try to separate your sister from her son’s behavior.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Behavioral and ecological unknowns also loom large; modifying an elephant’s genes doesn’t guarantee mammoth-like instincts or behavior.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
This wasn't an isolated incident, with Baszler taking the initiative to address a pattern of behavior.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
On the dark side, the fiery archetype of this Mars-y energy can result in aggression, impulse and erratic behavior.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behavior
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Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Behavioral and ecological unknowns also loom large; modifying an elephant’s genes doesn’t guarantee mammoth-like instincts or behavior.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
This wasn't an isolated incident, with Baszler taking the initiative to address a pattern of behavior.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
On the dark side, the fiery archetype of this Mars-y energy can result in aggression, impulse and erratic behavior.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 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 22 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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