# companion

/kəmˈpænjən/ (US) · /kəmpˈæniən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/companion
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a friend or partner

noun · CEFR B2

a person or animal that you spend time with or travel with.

For teachers: a person or animal with whom one spends a significant amount of time or travels. Often implies a relationship based on mutual company rather than just shared tasks.

- The old man and his dog were constant companions on his morning walks.
- Finding a reliable travelling companion can be difficult, as long journeys often test even the strongest of friendships.

### 2. a matching object

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

one of a pair of things that are meant to be used together.

For teachers: one of a pair of things intended to be used together or to complement each other.

- This book is a companion to the television series and explains the history of the show.
- The volume was designed as a companion to his earlier work on Renaissance architecture, providing the necessary technical diagrams to support his theories.

### 3. astronomy

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a star or planet that travels through space with another one.

For teachers: a celestial object, such as a star or planet, that is gravitationally bound to or associated with another.

- The bright star has a small companion that is hard to see without a telescope.
- Observations of the primary star's wobble suggested the presence of a low-mass companion orbiting at a significant distance.

### 4. nautical

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the stairs or the cover for the stairs on a ship.

For teachers: the covering or framework over a hatchway on a ship's deck, or the ladder leading below.

- The sailor hurried down the companion to reach the cabin before the storm hit.
- Water began to seep through the companion as the waves crashed over the quarterdeck, forcing the crew to secure the hatches.

## Examples

- My dog is a wonderful companion on long walks.
- She was looking for a travel companion to share the costs and the driving during her trip across the country.
- The elderly man found a loyal companion in his neighbor's cat, which visited him every afternoon and sat quietly by his chair while he read the newspaper.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.