What does company mean?
A company is, most commonly today, a business organization formed to produce goods or provide services, ranging from a small local enterprise to a vast multinational corporation. The word carries a second, older meaning: the presence of other people, as in enjoying someone's company or keeping a guest company. This dual identity reflects its history — it derives from the Latin com- ('with') and panis ('bread'), describing people who literally share their bread, a notion of fellowship that later extended to groups organized for trade. A company may also be a troupe of performers, such as a theatre company, or a unit of soldiers in an army. In everyday English, it is a neutral, versatile term: 'firm', 'business', and 'corporation' serve as near-synonyms, each carrying slightly different connotations of size and formality. Whether describing commerce or conviviality, the word consistently evokes the idea of people coming together.
A commercial business or firm that sells goods or services.
"The company employs over two thousand people worldwide."
Often abbreviated to "Co." or "& Co." in formal business names.
The state or condition of being with another person or other people; companionship.
"In my old age I find I prefer quiet company to loud parties."
Commonly used in the idiom "keep someone company".
A group of people assembled for a shared purpose, such as a theatrical troupe or a military unit.
"The touring company will perform at the festival next month."
A military company typically consists of roughly 100–250 soldiers.
Guests or visitors present in one's home.
"We're expecting company for dinner tonight, so please tidy up."
Standard plural, with the y changing to ies. Used when referring to multiple businesses; rarely needed for the social senses, which are usually uncountable.
"Several technology companies have opened offices in the city."
"Company" literally means "people who share your bread" — it comes from the Latin com- (together) and panis (bread), which is also where "companion," "pantry," and even "pannier" come from.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of company
The word "company" comes from the Old French "compaignie", borrowed from the Late Latin "companio", meaning 'one who shares bread with another' — from Latin com- ('together') and panis ('bread'). It entered Middle English around the 13th century, initially denoting companionship and fellowship, before extending to groups of people united for a common purpose, including military units and trading ventures such as the great chartered companies of the early modern period. It shares this bread-sharing root with "companion", "pantry", and "pannier".
Related word forms
How company is actually used
As a collective noun referring to a business, "company" can take either singular or plural agreement in British English ("the company are launching a new product") though singular is standard in American English. In the social sense, "keep someone company" is idiomatic and very common. When capitalized as part of a legal name, it is often abbreviated to "Co." or "& Co."
Easily confused with company
A 'companion' is a single person who accompanies another, while 'company' refers to being together with others in general or to a business organization.