compose

verb

com·​pose kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce compose (audio)
composed; composing

transitive verb

1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
a committee composed of three representativesCurrent 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.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
5
: to free from agitation : calm, settle
composed himself
Life moves on, … and one must compose oneself to meet it …Rose Macaulay

intransitive verb

: 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 Wednesday’s largely peaceful protest was composed of a mix of students and pro-Palestinian protesters who had come from elsewhere to participate. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 One tussle is composed in black and white; others take place with the creatures skidding on oil slicks and water puddles, or gawking as the Chameleon, living up to her name, throws a jab that mutates into an elephant’s trunk. Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 That may be of cold comfort to employers, whose employee base is likely composed mostly of young workers who are less loyal and less likely to stick around for more than a year or two. Jane Thier, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The skin barrier is composed of lipids (fats), proteins, and other substances that help maintain hydration and prevent harmful substances from getting in. Amanda Gardner, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 The necklace designed as a zipper, is composed of herringbone links bordered by diamond and gold heart motifs. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The score, composed by Jose A. Parody, accentuates all moods, from gloom and terror to determination and exasperation. Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 With lyrics by Mohamed Shafei, Saad personally composed the romantic melody to complement the heartfelt lyrics. Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2024 The special district is composed of 2,400 acres of land and 3,500 acres of water in total. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) — more at compound

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compose was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compose

Cite this Entry

“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

compose

verb
com·​pose kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce compose (audio)
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
a
: to make (oneself) calm
b
: to gain control of
try to compose your feelings

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