Company
/ˈkʌm.pə.ni/noun
A group of individuals organized for a common purpose, often in business.
Did you know?The word 'company' originates from the Latin 'companio', meaning 'one who eats bread with you', linking together the ideas of camaraderie and sharing — but was also used to describe mercenaries in the Middle Ages!
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
companio
“One who shares bread.”
Old French
Old French
compaignie
“A group of people who share a common purpose or trade.”
Middle English
Middle English
companie
“A body of people or a company, often in a business context.”
Modern English
English
company
“An organization of people for a commercial purpose.”
Explore more surprising origins