plural companies
1
: a business organization that makes, buys, or sells goods or provides services in exchange for money
He runs his own trucking company.
She joined the company last year.
record/insurance/computer companies
The company is based in Paris.
—often used before another nouncompany policy/profits
the company director
company executives/officials
2
: the state or condition of being with another person
I enjoy her company. [=I enjoy being with her]
I would love for you to come over. I could really use the company. [=I really want to spend time with someone; I do not want to be alone]
I turned the radio on for company. [=so that I wouldn't be lonely]
I felt nervous being in the company of [=around, with] such important people.
(chiefly Brit) She arrived in company with the mayor. [=she was with the mayor when she arrived]
I'll keep you company [=I'll stay with you] while you wait for your mom.
He has been keeping company with [=associating with] a gang of known criminals.
(chiefly Brit) The children have no idea how to behave in company. [=with a group of people]
It's not something you should talk about in polite company. [=in formal settings; with people you do not know well]
3
a
: someone or something you spend time with or enjoy being with
He's good company. [=he's enjoyable to be around]
I'm lousy company tonight. [=I'm not enjoyable to be around tonight; I'm in a bad mood]
Her dogs/sisters/books/thoughts are her only company these days.
b
: the people you spend time with
You can tell a lot about people by the company they keep.
She's been keeping bad company. [=spending time with people who are not morally good]
Note: If you are in good company or have plenty of company, you are in the same situation or have the same problem or opinion as many other people.
4
: guests or visitors especially at your home
We are having company for dinner. [=guests or visitors will be eating dinner with us at our home]
Are you expecting company?
5
a
: a group of soldiers
the soldiers of Company C
b
: the officers and crew of a ship
the ship's company
6
: a group of actors, dancers, singers, etc., who perform together
a theater/ballet company
7
: people who are not named but are part of a group
the law firm of Smith and Company
(informal) John and company got to the party pretty late.
Cite this Entry
“Company.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/company. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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