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

The Space Launch System rocket's mobile launch platform is equipped with two tail service masts, large side-by-side structures at the base of rocket that house propellant lines leading to pull-away umbilical assemblies on a side of the booster's engine compartment. —William Harwood, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

The inspector found black organic matter in the ice machines and insufficient hot water at a three-compartment sink and a hand sink. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2026

The thoughtful safety details—like the front snap pocket, secure zip-top compartment, and interior pockets—provide peace of mind that everything will stay in place. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026

Osprey Sirrus 34 Pack Hiking Backpack There are more than 10 compartments in this daypack, including a hydration sleeve with a hose port. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 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