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
Granite is a natural stone composed primarily of silicates, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica.
—Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025
Unlike lonely long-distance runners, though, Preston’s sprinters are guided by a centralized strategy team, composed of people from different corners of the business, which decides which initiatives to prioritize and oversees the teams’ progress.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Nov. 2025
On the other side of a nondescript wall is Tier II, which is composed of a grid of 114 compartmentalized, open-air cubicles with proper beds and lockable storage.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025
Looking high in the south-southeast — almost overhead — are the four bright stars that compose the Great Square of Pegasus, a landmark of the autumn sky.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
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Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025
Unlike lonely long-distance runners, though, Preston’s sprinters are guided by a centralized strategy team, composed of people from different corners of the business, which decides which initiatives to prioritize and oversees the teams’ progress.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Nov. 2025
On the other side of a nondescript wall is Tier II, which is composed of a grid of 114 compartmentalized, open-air cubicles with proper beds and lockable storage.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025
Looking high in the south-southeast — almost overhead — are the four bright stars that compose the Great Square of Pegasus, a landmark of the autumn sky.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 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 5 Dec. 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
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