companion

noun (1), often attributive

com·pan·ion | \kəm-ˈpan-yən

plural companions

Definition of companion

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

5 : a book, manual, etc., that provides information or advice about a particular subject a companion to French New Wave cinema —used in titles The Gardener's Companion

companion

verb

companioned; companioning; companions

Definition of companion (Entry 2 of 3)

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

companion

noun (2)

Definition of companion (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a hood covering at the top of a companionway

2 : companionway

Synonyms History of Companion More Example Sentences Learn More about companion

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History of Companion

You may be a companion to someone without eating with that person, but etymologically you are sharing a meal with them. The word companion ultimately comes from the Latin com- (“with”) and panis (“bread, food”). The ingestible aspect of this word is reminiscent of symposium, which may be traced to the Greek word sympinein, meaning “to drink together.” But just as you may be a companion to someone without eating, you may also attend a symposium without drinking.

Examples of companion in a Sentence

Verb

movie heroes are often companioned by wisecracking sidekicks

History and Etymology for companion

Noun (1)

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

Verb

see companion entry 1

Noun (2)

by folk etymology from Dutch kampanje poop deck

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