compote

noun

com·​pote ˈkäm-ˌpōt 

1

: a dessert of fruit cooked in syrup

2

: a bowl of glass, porcelain, or metal usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served

Examples of compote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The combination of this easy press-in oat crust, pumpkin filling, and cranberry-compote topping results in gorgeous contrasting autumnal hues of brown, orange, and red. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

These pancakes are fluffy and decadent, punctuated with sweet Maine blueberries and smothered with a velvety blueberry compote. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Stack glass ornaments in a pyramid formation on top of a compote, adhering the ornaments to one another with scrapbooking glue dots. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2025

Riggs’ cookbook takes you through the day, starting with an initial chapter of breakfast ideas, from smoothies to an egg-white omelet with wild blueberry compote to muffins. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French composte, from Latin composta, feminine of compostus, past participle

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

compote

noun

com·​pote ˈkäm-ˌpōt 

1

: fruits cooked in syrup

2

: a bowl usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served