compute

verb

com·​pute kəm-ˈpyüt 

computed; computing

transitive verb

: to determine especially by mathematical means

Compute the area of the triangle.

also : to determine or calculate by means of a computer

computing pi to over one billion places

intransitive verb

1

: to make calculation : reckon

They compute by weight in selling grain.

2

: to use a computer

3

informal : to make sense

No matter how you do the math, it will not work … . It simply does not compute.

—Chuck Finder

Synonyms

• calculate
• figure

Examples of compute in a Sentence

for the test we were required to compute the answers without using a calculator

Recent Examples on the Web

Our collective gaze is often captivated by the promise of ever more sophisticated technology, computing power, political absurdity and financial might. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

This surge comes as data centers are drawn to Arizona's favorable operating costs and infrastructure, coupled with increasing demand for computing services. —Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025

Farm-ng brings expertise in hardware, computing systems and sensors. —Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025

Typically, computing these different types of curvature requires calculus. —Quanta Magazine, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin computare — more at count

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing compute

• pre-compute

Rhymes for compute

• acute
• aleut
• astute
• beetroot
• breadfruit
• cheroot
• commute
• confute
• dilute
• dispute
• elute
• grapefruit

Kids Definition

compute

verb

com·​pute kəm-ˈpyüt 

computed; computing

1

: to determine or calculate especially by mathematical means

also : to determine or calculate by means of a computer

2

informal : to make sense

computable

-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl

adjective

Etymology

from Latin computare "to count, compute" — related to account, count entry 1