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

Specializing in thermal adhesive and battery compression pad production for electric vehicle manufacturers across the Southeast, Unitech also manufacturers industrial adhesives and sealers for its customers. —Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025

Wear Properly Fitting Shoes Blisters develop in areas of the foot with higher levels of compression against the skin. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025

Found in translation In a way, human language acts as a compression and decompression scheme—the listener must decompress the meaning of words in the same way the speaker intended when encoding the message for them to be properly understood. —ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025

Each one has an eight-wheel spinner system and an expandable main compartment with adjustable compression straps and several pockets, including one just for liquids or wet clothes. —Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 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