compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpre-shən 

1

a

: the act, process, or result of compressing

b

: the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)

3

: the compressed remains of a fossil plant

4

: conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required

compressional

kəm-ˈpresh-nəl 

-ˈpre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• squeezing
• condensing
• contraction
• condensation
• squeeze
• contracting
• constriction

Examples of compression in a Sentence

the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Recent Examples on the Web

Common techniques to minimize blood clots with post-surgical patients like Carrington include a doctor prescribing a blood thinner or having the patient wear compression stockings, among other options. —Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Staff called 911 and began performing life-saving measures, including administering Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse overdose symptoms, as well as chest compressions and a defibrillator, the autopsy reads. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025

The compression cubes have earned more than 7,700 five-star ratings at Amazon. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2025

The numbers are showing compression, not collapse, and there are still areas of SaaS that are expanding. —Denada Ramnishta, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for compression

• accession
• aggression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

Kids Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

compressional

-(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

: the act, process, or result of compressing especially when involving a compressing force on a bodily part

compression of an artery by forceps

compression of the brain by the bones of a depressed fracture