composition

noun

com·po·si·tion | \ ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən

Definition of composition

1a : the act or process of composing specifically : arrangement into specific proportion or relation and especially into artistic form the painting's unique composition

b(1) : the arrangement of type for printing hand composition

(2) : the production of type or typographic characters (as in photocomposition) arranged for printing

2a : the manner in which something is composed

b : general makeup the changing ethnic composition of the city's population

c : the qualitative and quantitative makeup of a chemical compound the chemical composition of a polymer

3 : mutual settlement or agreement The two parties came to a composition.

4 : a product of mixing or combining various elements or ingredients a composition of rubber and cork

5 : an intellectual creation: such as

a : a piece of writing especially : a school exercise in the form of a brief essay wrote a composition on the role of the police in our society

b : a written piece of music especially of considerable size and complexity Her composition for piano and flute was played at the recital.

6 : the quality or state of being compound

7 : the operation of forming a composite function also : composite function

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Synonyms for composition

Synonyms

Examples of composition in a Sentence

the changing composition of the country's population the composition of a chemical compound The teacher reminded us to hand in our compositions at the end of class.

Recent Examples on the Web While the exact composition is proprietary (as are other conventional tattoo ink formulas), the duo assures us that the polymers have been used in medical devices and drugs for years, and are well documented for safety. — Sam Neibart, Harper's BAZAAR, "This New Shop Is Creating Tattoos That Fade in a Year," 8 Apr. 2021 The composition of the COVID-19 vaccines for children is the same as used in adults – the difference is that children may require a different dose. — The Conversation, oregonlive, "Ask a pediatrician: Do kids really need the coronavirus vaccine?," 1 Apr. 2021 The composition of the COVID-19 vaccines for children is the same as used in adults – the difference is that children may require a different dose. — James B. Wood, The Conversation, "When can kids get the COVID-19 vaccine? A pediatrician answers 5 questions parents are asking," 24 Mar. 2021 That said, the composition of which group is net long or net short varies over time. — Javier Paz, Forbes, "Institutions Bet Big On Bitcoin," 17 Mar. 2021 In the big, whitewashed room, the colors are faded, but the composition is dreamy. — chicagotribune.com, "Appreciating Italy’s most underrated city, Milan," 15 Mar. 2021 How are we supposed to evaluate how a player will perform when the composition of his opposition is so different from last season? — Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, "2021 MLB season begins with so many unanswered questions," 23 Feb. 2021 The composition of the committee is essential to its success, added Roemer, who has been consulting with Pelosi and her staff over the past two weeks on the drafting of the legislation. — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, "Congress aims to avoid politics with independent Jan. 6 investigation," 20 Feb. 2021 All of the functions are quite legible and the dial has a harmonious, balanced composition. — Kristen Shirley, Forbes, "Patek Philippe Releases Four New Nautilus Models, Including The Iconic Ref. 5711/1A," 7 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'composition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near composition

composition of forces

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Last Updated

25 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composition. Accessed 5 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for composition

composition

noun

English Language Learners Definition of composition

: the way in which something is put together or arranged : the combination of parts or elements that make up something

: a piece of writing especially : a brief essay written as a school assignment

: a written piece of music and especially one that is very long or complex

See the full definition for composition in the English Language Learners Dictionary

composition

noun

com·po·si·tion | \ ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən

Kids Definition of composition

1 : a short piece of writing done as a school exercise

2 : the act of writing words or music

3 : the manner in which the parts of a thing are put together : makeup, constitution The president discussed the population's changing composition. Each rock has a slightly different composition.

4 : a literary, musical, or artistic production

composition

noun

com·po·si·tion

Legal Definition of composition

: an agreement between an insolvent debtor and several creditors whereby partial payment of the debts discharges in full the original obligations — compare accord sense 3, compromise

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