company

noun

UK /ˈkʌmp(ə)ni/

Word Forms

singular	company
plural	companies

1
countable an organization that provides services, or that makes or sells goods for money
Max works for a large oil company.
He joined the company in 1982.
a local/multinational company
and Company (=used in company names):
Johnson and Company
Synonyms and related words
General types of business or company
account
acquisition
affiliate
1. 1a
  only before nounconnected with a company or with the people in a company
  It’s company policy.
  We can’t all be company directors.
  Synonyms and related words
  General types of business or company
  account
  acquisition
  affiliate
2
uncountable people you are with
mixed company (=a group that includes men and women):
Some of the jokes weren’t really suitable for mixed company.
bad company (=friends that other people do not approve of):
Things started to go wrong when he got into bad company.
Synonyms and related words
Relationships and membership of social groups
relationship
connection
association
1. 2a
  the activity of being with other people
  I thought you might be glad of some company tonight.
  She doesn’t really feel like company at the moment.
  the company of someone:
  She’s always liked the company of powerful people.
  someone’s company:
  We usually enjoy his company.
  Synonyms and related words
  General social events and social activity
  a night out
  black tie
  blind date
2. 2b
  a guest or guests
  She’s not coming – she’s got company.
  Synonyms and related words
  People at parties and social events
  invitee
  host
  hostess
  Synonyms and related words
  Visitors and guests
  guest
  visitor
  company
See alsopolite company
3
countable theatrea group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together: can be followed by a singular or plural verb
the Royal Shakespeare Company
a dance/theatre company
Synonyms and related words
Dancers and groups of dancers
ballerina
ballet
cheerleader
1. 3a
  a group of soldiers that is usually divided into two or more smaller groups called platoons: can be followed by a singular or plural verb
  Synonyms and related words
  Groups of soldiers
  advance guard
  battalion
  brigade
2. 3b
  the people who work on a particular ship: can be followed by a singular or plural verb
  the ship’s company
  Synonyms and related words
  Sailors and people who work on boats and ships
  boatman
  boatswain
  bosun
3. 3c
  a group that is part of a children’s organization such as the Scouts or Girl Guides: can be followed by a singular or plural verb
  Synonyms and related words
  The Scouting Organization
  Beaver
  Boy Scout
  Brownie
4. 3d
  used in the names of some organizations, often organizations that people with particular jobs or skills can join
  Synonyms and related words
  General types of business or company
  account
  acquisition
  affiliate

phrases

and company

the company someone keeps

be good company

in company

in company with

in good company

join company with

keep someone company

keep company with someone

part company

two’s company, three’s a crowd

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