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
Gordian was engineered for nuclear-grade technical work and is equipped with physics and engineering tools, as well as the ability to understand and integrate data through semantic ontology mapping, to ensure that the final output is computed and verified, not inferred, according to the DOE.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
With a snazzy woodgrain finish, HP's new line of OmniDesk towers harkens back to an older era of computing on the outside while delivering modern-age components and performance.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Hyperion will have about 5 gigawatts of computing power, with the remaining gigawatts used to power the broader campus, according to a Meta spokesperson.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
That'll sort out all but the most ambitious of tablet computing setups, complete with an external display and a host of peripherals – in addition to a stylus, mouse, and keyboard that can pair via Bluetooth.
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
With a snazzy woodgrain finish, HP's new line of OmniDesk towers harkens back to an older era of computing on the outside while delivering modern-age components and performance.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Hyperion will have about 5 gigawatts of computing power, with the remaining gigawatts used to power the broader campus, according to a Meta spokesperson.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
That'll sort out all but the most ambitious of tablet computing setups, complete with an external display and a host of peripherals – in addition to a stylus, mouse, and keyboard that can pair via Bluetooth.
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026
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 Mar. 2026.
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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