compressed

1 of 2

adjective

com·​pressed kəm-ˈprest 

also ˈkäm-ˌprest

1

: pressed together : reduced in size or volume (as by pressure)

2

: flattened as though subjected to compression:

a

: flattened laterally

petioles compressed

b

: narrow from side to side and deep in a dorsoventral direction

compressedly

kəm-ˈprest-lē  -ˈpre-səd-lē 

adverb

compressed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of compress entry 1

Examples of compressed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Many new comedies these days suffer from a compressed run that offers little room to riff and experiment. — Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Daniel West’s adaptation hits the major plot points and select lines of dialogue, but has typically, unavoidably, been streamlined and compressed. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

In the more compressed idiom of three-act-movie storytelling, this chapter would represent the end of act two, when all hope appears lost. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing compressed

• compressed air

Rhymes for compressed

• acquiesced
• coalesced
• dispossessed
• manifest
• overdressed
• overstressed
• prepossessed
• reassessed
• reinvest
• repossessed
• unaddressed
• uncompressed