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
Hallas, commander of the Popular Defense Army, told CNN his group is largely composed of men previously imprisoned by the Hamas-run government.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Deluca was a songwriter and performer who composed music for artists including Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, according to the website Melodic Rock Classics.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
Her face is no longer straining to remain composed.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
This Wool Anorak is composed of 70 percent wool that will keep the wearer warm even if the pullover happens to get wet.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
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Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Deluca was a songwriter and performer who composed music for artists including Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, according to the website Melodic Rock Classics.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
Her face is no longer straining to remain composed.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
This Wool Anorak is composed of 70 percent wool that will keep the wearer warm even if the pullover happens to get wet.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 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 23 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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