computed; computing
: to determine especially by mathematical means
Compute the area of the triangle.
1
: to make calculation : reckon
They compute by weight in selling grain.
2
: to use a computer
3
informal
: to make sense
No matter how you do the math, it will not work … . It simply does not compute.—
Chuck Finder
Chuck FinderExamples of compute in a Sentence
for the test we were required to compute the answers without using a calculator
Recent Examples on the Web
Last month, Microsoft released a modern remake of its classic MS-DOS Editor, bringing back a piece of computing history that first appeared in MS-DOS 5.0 back in 1991.
—ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025
This regulatory blueprint arrives at a sensitive time, just as computing power surges, promising myriad benefits.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The spread of these large-scale computing facilities across the U.S. amid growing demand for artificial intelligence, data storage and other technology services is projected to increase electricity consumption to record highs in the coming years, according to experts.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 June 2025
Data centers are a key component behind artificial intelligence, as large language models and other AI programs require vast amounts of computing power.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
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.
ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025
This regulatory blueprint arrives at a sensitive time, just as computing power surges, promising myriad benefits.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The spread of these large-scale computing facilities across the U.S. amid growing demand for artificial intelligence, data storage and other technology services is projected to increase electricity consumption to record highs in the coming years, according to experts.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 June 2025
Data centers are a key component behind artificial intelligence, as large language models and other AI programs require vast amounts of computing power.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compute
verb
com·pute
kəm-ˈpyüt 
computed; computing
1
: to determine or calculate especially by mathematical means
also
: to determine or calculate by means of a computer
2
informal
: to make sense
computable
adjective
-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl
Etymology
from Latin computare "to count, compute" — related to account, count entry 1
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share