compartment

1 of 2

noun

com·​part·​ment kəm-ˈpärt-mənt 

1

: a separate division or section

2

: one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided

compartmental

kəm-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌkäm-

adjective

compartment

2 of 2

verb

com·​part·​ment kəm-ˈpärt-ˌment  -mənt 

compartmented; compartmenting; compartments

transitive verb

: compartmentalize

Synonyms of compartment

Noun

• chamber
• cell
• cabin

Verb

• rank
• classify
• group
• place
• type
• relegate
• separate
• distinguish
• class
• grade
• sort
• compartmentalize

Examples of compartment in a Sentence

Noun

The suitcase has a zippered compartment for personal items.

The refrigerator has a separate compartment for meats.

Verb

compartment the responses according to country of origin

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Once a week or more often, turn the device over to check it, paying attention to the opening that leads from the roller compartment to the dustbin compartment to make sure there’s no dirt or debris lodged there. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

The main compartment can fit all your hiking essentials, including a first-aid kit, and the insulated bladder keeps drinks cold for up to six hours. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

The dual-reactor compartment sits dead center within the Neo-Panamax hull structure. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Four separate compartments—including brush holders—keep products safely stowed, and the zipper closure prevents makeup from getting tossed around during transport. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from compartire to mark out in parts, from Late Latin compartiri to share out, from Latin com- + partiri to share, from part-, pars part, share

First Known Use

Noun

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1918, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compartment

• glove compartment

Rhymes for compartment

• apartment
• departement
• department

Kids Definition

compartment

noun

com·​part·​ment

kəm-ˈpärt-mənt

1

: a separate division or section

2

: one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided