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

Add the compote and then the sauce atop the ice cream. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Mar. 2026

Simmer gently into a berry compote for toast or desserts, says Schwiesow—or skip the cooking and macerate them. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026

Other initiatives include recycling of oils, composting organic waste, making compotes from damaged fruits, eschewing plastic and individual packaging, and use of eco-friendly cleaning products. —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Burger topped with lettuce, grape compote, mayonnaise, bleu cheese and goat cheese. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Jan. 2026

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