noun
company
KUHMP-nee
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."
2
The presence of other people, especially as companionship.
"He enjoyed the company of old friends."
3
A group of people who perform together, such as actors or dancers.
"The dance company toured five cities in two weeks."
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
Word Forms
companied past tense, companies plural, companies singular
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She started her own _____ after years of working for others.
Etymology
From Old French compaignie ("companionship"), related to companion — literally those who "share bread."