Company Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌmpəni/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A business organization, usually a separate legal entity, that engages in commercial, industrial, or professional activities, often with its own staff, infrastructure, and management structure.

Etymology

The term “company” comes from the Old French “compaignie,” which is derived from the Latin “companio,” meaning “fellowship” or “association.” It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a group of people engaged in a common business or activity.

Usage Notes

A company can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. It is often used interchangeably with other terms such as “firm” or “business,” but “company” specifically refers to a organization with its own legal status.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the term “company” is often used to refer to a group of people working together towards a common goal, such as a film production company, a software development company, or a sports team.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“In good company,” meaning to be with pleasant or desirable people, and “out of company,” meaning to be without companions or associates.

Related Words or Phrases

• Business
• Organization

Collocations

• start a company
• run a company
• work for a company

Frequency of Use

The term “company” is a common and frequently used word in modern language, particularly in the context of business and finance.

Common Misspellings

Companie, Companye, and Companey are some common misspellings of the word.

Examples

• The employees worked for a large tech company.
• The company launched a new product line last quarter.

Synonyms

• Firm
• Business

Antonyms

• Sole
• Individual

Additional Information

Companies can be large or small, public or private, and may operate in a variety of industries. They are responsible for managing their own finances, employee relationships, and overall operations. In today’s fast-paced and globally interconnected economy, companies play a crucial role in shaping the world around us.