companionship

American  

[kuhm-pan-yuhn-ship] / kəmˈpæn yənˌʃɪp /

noun

1. association as companion; fellowship.

2. Printing. a group of compositors working under a foreman.

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Usage

What does companionship mean? Companionship is the state of spending time with someone or having someone to spend time with—the state of having a companion or being someone’s companion.A companion is a person who frequently spends time with you, associates with you, or accompanies you when you go places. Companionship is similar to friendship, and a person one calls a companion is usually their friend or romantic partner. But the word companionship specifically implies that a lot of time is spent in each other’s company.The word commonly applies to relationships between people, but pets can also provide companionship.Example: People make fun of older people for using dating sites, but the truth is that a lot of them are just lonely and looking for companionship.

Etymology

Origin of companionship

First recorded in 1540–50; companion ¹ + -ship

Example Sentences

Hundreds of companies are marketing the social application of AI, and its most common use in 2025 was for therapy or companionship.

From The Wall Street Journal

“These rules aim to protect people who find new companionship later in life while acknowledging the loss of a first spouse,” according to law firm PLBH.

From MarketWatch

This growing diversity likely reflected the many roles dogs played in early human societies, including hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship.

From Science Daily

They include requiring AI firms to offer personalised settings, have time limits on usage and getting consent from guardians before providing emotional companionship services.

From BBC

Another growing phenomenon takes intergenerational living a step further - with older homeowners inviting younger people in need of affordable housing to live with them in exchange for companionship and help with chores.

From BBC

Related Words

• camaraderie
• togetherness