company

noun | com·pa·ny

1. : an association of persons for carrying on a commercial or industrial enterprise — compare corporation, partnership

   — finance company
   : a company that makes usually small short-term loans to individuals

   — growth company
   : a company that grows at a greater rate than the economy as a whole and that usually directs a relatively high proportion of income back into the business

   — holding company
   : a company whose sole function is to own and control other companies

   — investment company
   : a company that earns income solely or primarily by holding and investing in securities issued by other companies or by government agencies

   — joint-stock company
   : a business organization whose capital is represented by shares owned by stockholders each of whom is personally liable for the company's debts

   — limited liability company
   : an unincorporated company formed under applicable state statute whose members cannot be held liable for the acts, debts, or obligations of the company and that may elect to be taxed as a partnership

   — mutual company
   : an insurance company whose capital is owned by its policyholders

   — surety company
   : a company that provides surety bonds for a fee

   — trust company
   : a company and often a commercial bank acting as trustee for individuals and businesses and providing related financial or estate planning services