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
In the seventeen-seventies, Gervasio composed six duets dedicated to his student the Princess of Prussia.
—Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
In what amounts to a home run for baseball fans in this state and region, Monfort has agreed to sell a 40 % minority stake in the Rockies to the Penner Sports Group, composed of Broncos’ co-owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Despite being a newbie in the NBA and everything that comes along with it, the Charlotte Hornets’ rising rookie looks as composed as a veteran at times.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
The group composes its own sacred music, lilting songs that prompt women in green-and-white wraparounds to vigorously shake their bodies.
—Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compose
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Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
In what amounts to a home run for baseball fans in this state and region, Monfort has agreed to sell a 40 % minority stake in the Rockies to the Penner Sports Group, composed of Broncos’ co-owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Despite being a newbie in the NBA and everything that comes along with it, the Charlotte Hornets’ rising rookie looks as composed as a veteran at times.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
The group composes its own sacred music, lilting songs that prompt women in green-and-white wraparounds to vigorously shake their bodies.
—Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compose
Cite this Entry
“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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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