English Reference
Idiom idiom

company town


A town, city, or other municipality in which a single large business has a controlling influence over the economy and, sometimes, over the societal structure and the local government.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“The local factory owns every house in this company town.”

CONTEXTUAL

“Because the mining company provides all the housing and jobs, the residents feel trapped in a company town.”

COMPLEX

“The region suffered significantly when the primary employer closed its doors, revealing the inherent fragility of life in a company town.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  2. 02

    big end of town

    The top end of town.

  3. 03

    blow town

    To suddenly leave one's residence.

  4. 04

    go to town

    To proceed enthusiastically, vigorously, or expertly.

  5. 05

    go to town on

    To devour or consume (something); to enthusiastically or assiduously work on (something); to tear into (something).

  6. 06

    keep company

    To court.

  7. 07

    keep someone company

    To remain with or accompany someone, especially to make them feel more comfortable with a certain situation.

  8. 08

    man about town

    A worldly, social man who frequents fashionable places.

Last updated August 10, 2026