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

Spongy-light Japanese cheesecake will remind you of angel food, with berry compote and vanilla creme Anglaise on the side. —Constance Ogle, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025

In this recipe, it’s roasted in the oven, then added to the compote at the end to preserve its shape and reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 22 July 2025

The finish is long and rich, with lingering hints of vanilla cream and spiced fruit compote. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Sip on a signature Boston Sling, a riff on the original Singapore Sling created at the first Raffles, made with Blind Duck gin, Pama liqueur, Drambuie, Amaro Nonino, cranberry compote and housemade apple shrub, or try a refreshing spritz or mocktail. —Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 23 July 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