What does "company" mean?

1. (a business) an organization that sells products or services to make money. 2. (companionship) the state of being with other people so you are not alone. 3. (guests) people who are visiting your home. 4. (military unit) a group of soldiers that is part of a larger army. 5. (theatrical group) a group of actors or dancers who work together.

company — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01a business

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. an organization that sells products or services to make money.

n. a commercial business or legal entity that manufactures or sells goods or provides services.

“She works for a software company that makes apps for schools.”

“The multinational company announced a significant restructuring plan to address the decline in its quarterly profits.”

Synonyms

business firm corporation

02companionship

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the state of being with other people so you are not alone.

n. the condition of being with others; social companionship.

“I really enjoy your company and hope we can meet again soon.”

“After living alone for several years, he found that he truly appreciated the company of his grandchildren during the holidays.”

Synonyms

companionship presence

Antonyms

solitude loneliness

03guests

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. people who are visiting your home.

n. guests or visitors in one's home; social callers.

“We are having company for dinner tonight, so I need to clean the house.”

“The family rarely had company during the winter months when the mountain roads were frequently blocked by snow.”

Synonyms

guests visitors

04military unit

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical

n. a group of soldiers that is part of a larger army.

n. a military unit, typically consisting of two or more platoons and commanded by a captain.

“The captain led his company across the field during the training exercise.”

“The infantry company was deployed to the border to assist with humanitarian efforts and maintain local security.”

Synonyms

unit battalion

05theatrical group

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. a group of actors or dancers who work together.

n. an ensemble of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together professionally.

“She joined a touring dance company after she finished her training.”

“The royal Shakespeare company is renowned for its innovative interpretations of classic early modern dramas.”

Synonyms

troupe ensemble

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “company” in context.

01. multinational company

From Middle English companye (“a team; companionship”), from Old French compaignie (“companionship”) (Modern French: compagnie), possibly from Late Latin *compania, but this word is not attested. Old French compaignie is equivalent to Old French compaignon (Modern French: compagnon) + -ie. More at companion. Displaced native Old English werod, gefer, getæl, and hired.

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

cofounder downsized