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-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of compression

• 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

The Conrad Orlando at Evermore also introduced wellness rooms in 2024, stocking them with Normatec leg-compression systems, fancy mattresses from Bryte, and Loftie lamps, which are designed to help regulate melatonin and support circadian rhythms. — Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026

Getting the heart pumping through chest compressions distributes oxygen. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Barrett died from asphyxia due to ligature compression of the neck, according to court documents. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

The medium compression is just enough to provide a little tummy control, without leaving me feeling squeezed after lunch. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

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