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company definition

com·pany (kum′pə nē)

noun pl. companies -·nies

companionship; society: to enjoy another's company
a group of people; specif.,
1. a group gathered for social purposes
2. a group associated for some purpose, as to form a commercial or industrial firm: a theatrical company, a manufacturing company
a trade guild in the Middle Ages
the partners whose names are not given in the title of a firm: John Smith and Company
a guest or guests; visitor or visitors
a habitual associate or associates: people are judged by the company they keep
Mil. a body of troops; specif., the lowest administrative unit, as of infantry, normally composed of two or more platoons and a headquarters
all of a ship's personnel, including the officers
in full ship's company

Origin: ME & OFr compaignie < VL compania, lit., group sharing bread: see companion

transitive verb companied -·nied, companying -·ny·ing

Archaic to accompany

intransitive verb

Archaic to associate (with)

com·pa·ny (kŭmˈpə-nē)

noun pl. companies com·pa·nies

A group of persons. See Synonyms at band².
a. One's companions or associates: moved in fast company; is known by the company she keeps.
b. A guest or guests: had company for the weekend.
c. The state of friendly companionship; fellowship: was grateful for her company; friends who finally parted company.
a. A business enterprise; a firm.
b. A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title: Lee Rogers and Company.
A troupe of dramatic or musical performers: a repertory company.
a. A subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the lowest administrative unit. It is usually under the command of a captain and is made up of at least two platoons.
b. A unit of firefighters.
A ship's crew and officers. See Usage Note at collective noun.

transitive verb companied com·pa·nied, companying com·pa·ny·ing, companies com·pa·nies

To accompany or associate with.

Origin: Middle English compainie, from Old French compaignie, from Vulgar Latin *compānia, from *compāniō, companion; see companion ¹.