Definition of compose
composed
;composing
transitive verb
1a : to form by putting together : fashion a committee composed of three representatives — Current Biographyb : to form the substance of : constitute composed of many ingredientsc : to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition
2a : to create by mental or artistic labor : produce compose a sonnetb (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. — Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
5 : to free from agitation : calm, settle composed himself Life moves on, … and one must compose oneself to meet it … — Rose Macaulay
intransitive verb
: to practice composition (as of literary, musical, or typographical work) At the age of 10, he was composing at the piano.
People Are Reading
Examples of compose in a Sentence
She composed a letter to her sister.
He is in his studio composing.
Recent Examples of compose from the Web
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The team, composed of 12 offensive players, 12 defensive players and three specialists, was put together with 167 votes from media members who cover the ACC.
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An IHSA official for 29 years, Grohovena also serves as the recruitment chair for the Inter-Athletic Council of Officials, an organization composed of 17 sports officials associations throughout northeastern Illinois.
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The Democratic ballot is composed of eight candidates, even those who may drop out of the race before the primary.
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Every shot is meticulously composed to make its point, with nothing left to chance.
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Fire ants build rafts, composed of themselves, to escape floods.
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By charter, Beavercreek is a council-manager form of government with the council composed of six council members elected at-large to four-year revolving terms of office.
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The winning amendments will compose the final bill.
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The new board of directors would be composed of seven Vantiv board members and four Worldpay members.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of compose
Middle English, from Anglo-French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) — more at compound
COMPOSE Defined for English Language Learners
compose
playDefinition of compose for English Language Learners
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: to come together to form or make (something)
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: to create and write (a piece of music or writing)
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: to practice the art of writing music
COMPOSE Defined for Kids
compose
playDefinition of compose for Students
composed
;composing
1 : to form by putting together compose a team
2 : to be the parts or materials of This cloth is composed of silk and wool.
3 : to create and write compose a song compose a letter
4 : to make calm : get under control Although the news is shocking, I'll try to compose myself.
Learn More about compose
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See words that rhyme with compose Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compose Spanish Central: Translation of compose Nglish: Translation of compose for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of compose for Arabic speakers
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