company
KUHMP-nee
Company (noun) means a business organization that sells goods or provides services. Example: “She started her own company after years of working for others.”
noun
1
A business organization that sells goods or provides services.
"She started her own company after years of working for others."
"The company reported record profits this quarter."
"The company makes bicycles and sells them across Europe."
2
The presence of other people, especially as companionship.
"He enjoyed the company of old friends."
"I was glad of her company on the long train journey."
"The old dog is good company when you live alone."
3
A group of people who perform together, such as actors or dancers.
"The dance company toured five cities in two weeks."
"The theatre company is rehearsing a new play this month."
"Every member of the ballet company bowed at the end."
How to use company
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA business, or the presence/companionship of other people, or a performing group like a theatre troupe.
Common mistake
Note the idiom "to keep someone company" (be with them) versus "to keep company with" (associate with).
Common pairings
keep someone company
start a company
theatre company
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like company.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- companies
- Third person singular
- companies
- Past tense
- companied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She started her own _____ after years of working for others.
Etymology
From Old French compaignie ("companionship"), related to companion — literally those who "share bread."
Synonyms
View more →
business
firm
corporation
enterprise
organization
establishment
concern
companionship
fellowship
caller
have sex
make love
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for company
See all rhymes for company →Frequently asked questions
What does “company” mean?
The word “company” means a business organization that sells goods or provides services. In plain terms, a business, or the presence/companionship of other people, or a performing group like a theatre troupe.
How do you pronounce “company”?
“Company” is pronounced KUHMP-nee (/ˈkʌmpəni/ in IPA).
How do you use “company” in a sentence?
Here is “company” used in a sentence: “She started her own company after years of working for others.”
What is another word for “company”?
Words with a similar meaning to “company” include have sex and make love.
What part of speech is “company”?
“Company” is a noun.
Where does the word “company” come from?
The word “company” comes from Old French. From Old French compaignie ("companionship"), related to companion — literally those who "share bread.".
Is “company” a common word?
“Company” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “company” have?
“Company” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a business organization that sells goods or provides services.
What is the difference between a company and a corporation?
'Company' is a general word for any business that sells goods or services. A corporation is a specific legal structure: a business that has been incorporated so it counts as a separate legal entity from its owners, who gain limited liability. Every corporation is a company, but not every company is a corporation.
What is the difference between a company and a business?
'Business' is the broader term, covering any commercial activity, from a market stall to a global brand. A company is a business that has been formally organised as a single entity, often registered and with a legal identity. All companies are businesses, but a business need not be a company.
What are the main types of company?
Common forms include private limited companies, public limited companies whose shares are traded openly, partnerships, and limited liability companies. They differ in how ownership is divided, how profits are shared, and how much personal responsibility owners carry for debts. The right structure depends on size, funding, and risk.
What is an example of a company?
Apple, Toyota, and your local supermarket chain are all companies — organisations set up to sell goods or provide services for profit. A company can be a global giant with thousands of staff or a small firm run by a handful of people; the defining feature is organised commercial activity.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include company:
