companion
Pluralcompanions
Pluralcompanions
Formscompanions, companioning, companioned
- 1
- 2A thing or event that often comes along with another thing.
Like a shadow that goes wherever you go.
For many soldiers, fear became a constant companion in the field.
Hunger is often a companion of poverty.
Similaraccompaniment, concomitant
- 3A book, guide, or website made to go with a main one and help you use it.
The cookbook has a free online companion with extra recipes.
Our teacher gave us a companion to the play that explains the old words.
UsageSay a companion to a book, or a companion book.
Similarguide, supplement
- 4A star or other object in space that is linked to another one.
The bright star has a small, faint companion beside it.
Astronomers found a companion orbiting the distant sun.
Similarsatellite
Note
- 5A member of an honors order who holds the rank called companion. In some orders it is the top rank.
He was made a companion of the order for his long service.
Only a companion may wear that particular badge.
UsageSay a companion of an order.
Note
Less common meanings
- 6A person who is paid to keep someone company or travel with them.
The elderly widow hired a young companion to read to her each evening.
As a paid companion, she traveled with the family every summer.
UsageOften a lady's companion: a woman paid to stay with a rich lady.
Similarattendant, chaperone, escort
Note
- 7To go along with someone and keep them company.
we had better turn south quickly and compare the elements of education which formed , and of creation which companioned , Salvator .
1865, John Ruskin, Precious ThoughtsHere, companioned means went along with or accompanied him.Note
- 8A man, especially one seen as worthless or dishonest.
[L]et vs knog our praines together to be reuenge on this ſame ſcall ſcuruy-cogging-companion the Hoſt of the Garter.
c. 1597, William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”Here, companion means a low, dishonest fellow, a rogue.Note
- 9To make someone or something equal to another.
Finde me to marrie me with Octauius Cæſar, and companion me with my Miſtris.
c. 1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”Here, companion me means make me equal to, or on the same level as.Note
- 10A covering over the stairs on a ship's deck, or the stairs that lead below.
- 11A window-like frame on a ship's deck that let sunlight into the rooms below.
- 12In math, a knot that holds another knot inside the space around it.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Old French compaignon, from Latin words meaning "with" plus "bread": so someone you share bread with.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Companion comes from Old French compaignon. en.wiktionary.org
- Its Latin components mean "with" and "bread". en.wiktionary.org
- The etymological meaning is someone with whom one shares bread. en.wiktionary.org