com·pa·ny (k?m?p?-n?)n. pl. com·pa·nies 1. A group of persons: a company of scientists.2. a. One’s companions or associates: moved in fast company; is known by the company she keeps.b. A guest or guests: had company for the weekend.c. The state of friendly companionship; fellowship: was grateful for her company; friends who finally parted company.3. a. A business enterprise; a firm.b. A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm’s title: Lee Rogers and Company.4. A troupe of dramatic or musical performers: a repertory company.5. a. A subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the lowest administrative unit. It is usually under the command of a captain and is made up of at least two platoons.b. A unit of firefighters.6. A ship’s crew and officers. See Usage Note at collective noun.v. com·pa·nied, com·pa·ny·ing, com·pa·nies v.tr. To accompany or associate with.v.intr. To keep company with someone; associate.[Middle English compainie, from Old French compaignie, from Vulgar Latin *comp?nia, from *comp?ni?, companion; see companion1.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.company (?k?mp?n?) n, pl -nies1. a number of people gathered together; assembly2. the fact of being with someone; companionship: I enjoy her company. 3. a social visitor or visitors; guest or guests4. (Commerce) a business enterprise5. (Commerce) the members of an enterprise not specifically mentioned in the enterprise’s title. Abbreviation: Co or co 6. (Theatre) a group of actors, usually including business and technical personnel7. (Military) a unit of around 100 troops, usually comprising two or more platoons8. (Nautical Terms) the officers and crew of a ship9. (Other Non-sporting Hobbies) a unit of Girl Guides10. (Historical Terms) English history a medieval guild11. keep company bear company a. to accompany (someone)b. (esp of lovers) to associate with each other; spend time together12. part company a. to end a friendship or association, esp as a result of a quarrel; separateb. (foll by with) to leave; go away (from); be separated (from)vb, -nies, -nying or -niedarchaic to keep company or associate (with someone)[C13: from Old French compaignie, from compain companion, fellow, from Late Latin comp?ni?; see companion1]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014com?pa?ny (?k?m p? ni) n., pl. -nies, n. 1. a number of individuals assembled or associated together; group of people. 2. a guest or guests: We’re having company tonight. 3. companionship; fellowship; association: We always enjoy her company. 4. one’s usual companions: I dislike the company you keep. 5. a number of persons united or incorporated for joint action, esp. for business: a publishing company; a dance company. 6. (cap.) the partners of a firm not specified in its title:Jones & Company. 7. a. a basic unit of troops comprising a headquarters and two or three platoons. b. any relatively small group of soldiers. 8. the Company, Informal. the CIA. 9. a unit of firefighters. v.i. 10. Archaic. to associate. v.t. 11. Archaic. to accompany. Idioms: 1. keep company, a. to associate in or as if in courtship: She keeps company with a teacher. b. (of a couple) to spend time together regularly; go out on dates, as in courtship. 2. keep someone company, to associate with or be a companion to someone. 3. part company, a. to separate: We parted company at the airport. b. to cease association or friendship. c. to take an opposite view; differ. [1200?50; Middle English A company is a business organization that makes money by selling goods or services.In British English, you can use either a singular or plural form of a verb after company.Note that American speakers usually use only a singular verb form with company.