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
As workloads—particularly AI—face increasing scrutiny from regulators over energy consumption, the region’s mix of renewable power and efficiency advantages positions it as a critical hub for the future of computing.
—Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Chinese company’s cloud computing unit was a bright spot with revenue picking up by an annual 26%, which was a faster growth rate than seen in the previous quarter.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
Seeing the girl handcuffed by a Marion County sheriff's deputy a few blocks from her home simply didn't compute.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
This design aligns directly with Apple’s Liquid Glass interface introduced in iOS 26, which emphasizes translucency, depth, and spatial-computing elements inspired by the Vision Pro.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
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Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Chinese company’s cloud computing unit was a bright spot with revenue picking up by an annual 26%, which was a faster growth rate than seen in the previous quarter.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
Seeing the girl handcuffed by a Marion County sheriff's deputy a few blocks from her home simply didn't compute.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
This design aligns directly with Apple’s Liquid Glass interface introduced in iOS 26, which emphasizes translucency, depth, and spatial-computing elements inspired by the Vision Pro.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 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
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