companion

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noun, often attributive com·pan·ion \kəm-ˈpan-yən\

Definition of companion

1 : one that accompanies another : comrade, associate traveling companions; also : one that keeps company with another his longtime companion
2 obsolete : rascal
3a : one that is closely connected with something similar The book is a companion to the television series with the same title.b : one employed to live with and serve another We hired a companion for our elderly mother.
4 : a celestial body that appears close to another but that may or may not be associated with it in space

Origin and Etymology of companion

Middle English compainoun, from Anglo-French cumpaing, cumpaignun, from Late Latin companion-, companio, from Latin com- + panis bread, food — more at food

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First Known Use: 14th century

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companion

verb com·pan·ion

Definition of companion

transitive verb
: accompany He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb
: to keep company fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago

Examples of companion in a Sentence

movie heroes are often companioned by wisecracking sidekicks

Origin and Etymology of companion

see ¹companion

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1737

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companion

noun com·pan·ion

Definition of companion

1 : a hood covering at the top of a companionway
2 : companionway

Origin and Etymology of companion

by folk etymology from Dutch kampanje poop deck

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1762

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COMPANION Defined for Kids

companion

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noun com·pan·ion \kəm-ˈpan-yən\

Definition of companion for Students

1 : a person or thing that accompanies another
2 : one of a pair of things that go together The book is the companion to the TV show.
3 : a person employed to live with and assist another