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

Suoco Travel Vacuum Bags Vacuum compression bags like these are a lifesaver for overpackers like me. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Support and soothe sore fingers to relieve swelling and pain with gentle compression. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

So even in the way that the body moves, and the movement through the space, there’s compression and there’s release. —Jerald “coop” Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

The result is wage compression at the bottom and explosive wealth creation at the top — with the upper-middle class caught awkwardly in between, statistically thriving but existentially anxious. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Apr. 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