composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
… a committee composed of three representatives …—
Current Biography
Current Biography
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
composed of many ingredients
c
: to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition
2
a
: to create by mental or artistic labor : produce
compose a sonnet
b(1)
: to formulate and write (a piece of music)
composed a symphony
(2)
: to compose music for
3
: to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum
compose their differences
4
: to arrange in proper or orderly form
The two men had laid him on the bed, and composed his limbs.—Sheridan Le Fanu
Sheridan Le Fanu
: to practice composition (as of literary, musical, or typographical work)
At the age of 10, he was composing at the piano.
Examples of compose in a Sentence
She composed a letter to her sister.
He is in his studio composing.
Recent Examples on the Web
This co-extrusion process involved encasing a metallic billet, composed of depleted uranium and zirconium, within a zirconium alloy cladding.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Nov. 2025
This connection makes sense, as our minds are composed of the same atoms that make up the reality around us.
—Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
Its central contention is that the world is a better place when it’s composed of distinct nation-states, each with its own individual culture and history; such societies are more stable, and achieve more, and make unique contributions to humanity as a whole.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Surrounded by an entourage, Baumbach walks the long hallway of the Corinthia Hotel, a tangible atmosphere of hustle and bustle swirling, with him at the centre – calm, quiet, composed.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Nov. 2025
This connection makes sense, as our minds are composed of the same atoms that make up the reality around us.
—Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
Its central contention is that the world is a better place when it’s composed of distinct nation-states, each with its own individual culture and history; such societies are more stable, and achieve more, and make unique contributions to humanity as a whole.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Surrounded by an entourage, Baumbach walks the long hallway of the Corinthia Hotel, a tangible atmosphere of hustle and bustle swirling, with him at the centre – calm, quiet, composed.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
Cite this Entry
“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compose
verb
com·pose
kəm-ˈpōz 
composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
a stew composed of many ingredients
c
: to arrange type in order for printing : set
2
: to create by mental or artistic labor
compose a song
3
: to arrange in proper form
4
: to make calm
composed himself
compose your feelings
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share