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

Charmking Compression Socks Long travel days—especially long flights—demand comfort that actually holds up, and compression socks quietly do the work. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026

The off-duty firefighter from Orange County Fire Authority ran over and performed chest compressions for approximately 15 minutes until paramedics arrived, according to the outlet. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

There is already a waitlist of more than 500 people for their membership, which will cost $275 per month paid upfront for $500 worth of credits to be used toward sauna and cold plunge, but also IVs and shots of vitamins, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, red light, NAD+, compression and PEMF. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 14 Jan. 2026

Then some air compression treatment on his legs paired with some video game golf. —Dan Woike, New York Times, 14 Jan. 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