1. An institution created to conduct business
   "he only invests in large well-established companies"; "he started the company in his garage"
    
2. (military) small military unit; usually two or three platoons
   "The company advanced under heavy fire"
    
3. The state of being with someone
   "he missed their company";
   - companionship, fellowship, society
    
4. Organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical)
   "the travelling company all stayed at the same hotel";
   - troupe
    
5. A social gathering of guests or companions
   "the house was filled with company when I arrived"
    
6. A band of people associated temporarily in some activity
   "the company of cooks walked into the kitchen";
   - party, posse [informal]
    
7. Crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship
   "The captain addressed the entire ship's company before setting sail";
   - ship's company
    
8. A unit of firefighters including their equipment
   "a hook-and-ladder company"
    
9. A social or business visitor
   "the room was a mess because he hadn't expected company";
   - caller

1. Be a companion to somebody
   "He keeps company with his elderly neighbour";
   - companion, accompany, keep company

Derived forms: companies, companied, companying

Type of: affiliate, army unit, assemblage, associate, assort, band, circle, complement, consort, establishment, friendly relationship, friendship, full complement, gathering, institution, lot, mateship [Austral, NZ], org [informal], organisation [Brit], organization, set, social unit, unit, visitant [archaic], visitor

Part of: battalion, battle group

Encyclopedia: Company