company
/ˈkʌmp(ə)ni
/noun (plural companies)
1A commercial business: a shipping company [in names]: the Ford Motor Company [as modifier]: a company director...
- He outlined how over four years five company directors used five companies to con small businesses out of hundreds of pounds each.
- That just leaves the business managers in all those commercial broadcasting companies.
- The government must now seek to cut the rising business costs faced by companies operating in the sector, he said.
Synonyms
firm, business, corporation, house, establishment, agency, office, bureau, institution, organization, operation, concern, enterprise, venture, undertaking, practice;
conglomerate, consortium, syndicate, group, chain, combine, multiple, multinational
informal outfit, set-up
2 [mass noun] The fact or condition of being with another or others, especially in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment: I really enjoy his company...
- They don't mind very much, especially as you provide such scintillating company.
- She's also there just to provide extra company for her mum and brother.
- Some very dear friends provided good company throughout, and I go to bed this evening tired but happy.
Synonyms
companionship, presence, friendship, fellowship, closeness, amity, camaraderie, comradeship;
society, association
2.1 [with adjective or modifier] A person or people regarded as pleasant (or unpleasant) to be with: she is excellent company you’re not much company—I might as well go home...
- Old Boy, however, is up for another drink in the hotel bar, and proves excellent company.
- She is as sharp as a tack, but excellent company in a social setting.
- Jackson was a lovely caring man, whose warmth and sense of humour made him excellent company.
2.2The person or group of people whose society one is currently sharing: he was silent among such distinguished company...
- He is currently keeping magnificent company in the European Golden Shoe rankings.
- I am delighted to have the chance to say some words in such distinguished company.
- Finally, remember that if you do suffer from bad breath, you're in excellent company.
Synonyms
group, crowd, body, party, band, collection, assembly, assemblage, cluster, flock, herd, horde, troupe, swarm, stream, mob, throng, congregation, gathering, meeting, convention
informal bunch, gang, gaggle, posse, crew, pack
British informal shower
2.3A visiting person or group of people: I’m expecting company...
- I probably would have invited him over if I hadn't been expecting company anytime soon.
- Just before the dive Jose Luis tells us that we can expect company.
- If he was expecting company than why did he look so disgruntled when he answered the door?
Synonyms
guests, a guest, visitors, a visitor, callers, a caller, people, someone
archaic visitants
3A number of individuals gathered together: the Mayor addressed the assembled company
3.1A body of soldiers, especially the smallest subdivision of an infantry battalion, typically commanded by a major or captain: B Company of the Cheshire Regiment...
- The grenadier company of a line infantry battalion was paraded on the right of the line, the place of honour accorded to its status.
- Stryker infantry regiments will have three battalions of four companies each.
- The disseminated copies go to brigade as well as the rifle companies and battalion scouts.
Synonyms
unit, section, detachment, troop, corps, squad, squadron, platoon, battalion, division
3.2A group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together: a national opera company...
- It is estimated that funding for the five national performing arts companies accounts for about £20m.
- One of the troupe's touring companies will visit the Edmonton Street Performers festival this week.
- The company creates two new performances a year and often tours to Jakarta and Surabaya.
3.3British A group of Guides.
4 rare A flock of wigeon (ducks): a company of wigeons occasionally numbers several thousand birds...
- I saw a great company of widgeons, several thousand at least.
- A company of widgeons, when first collecting, may be heard at an immense distance, by the whistling of the cocks and purring noise of the hens.
- When a company of widgeon have once taken to frequent any particular river where plenty of food is to be had, they will continue to do so during the whole of the winter season.
verb (companies, companying, companied) [no object] (company with) literary
1Associate with; keep company with: these men which have companied with us all this time...
- I am happy to return to the starting point of the journey (which is also the ending point), companied with great stories, sweet memories and interesting pictures.
1.1 [with object] archaic Accompany (someone): the fair dame, companied by Statius and myself...
- The only one in the room, companied by a TV and coffee table.
- Half of her yellow bed sheets laid on the floor, companied by pop cans and potato chip bags.
- Today, I think I will keep Charles companied.
Phrases
and company
be in good company
in company
in company with
keep (or archaic bear) someone company
keep company with
Origin
Middle English (in sense 2 of the noun, sense 3 of the noun): from Old French compainie; related to compaignon (see companion1).
Rhymes
- redress the balance
- red revolution
- red rhebok
- red ribbon
- Red Riding Hood
- redrill
- red-rimmed
- red-ripe
- red rise
- redrive
- Red River
- Red River cart
- Red River fever
- Red River frame
- red river hog
- Red River jig
- red roan
- red robin
- red rock
- red rock cod
- red rock crab
- Red Rock Fault
- red rockfish
- red rock rabbit
- red rod