computed; computing
: to determine especially by mathematical means
Compute the area of the triangle.
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
Chuck FinderExamples of compute in a Sentence
for the test we were required to compute the answers without using a calculator
Recent Examples on the Web
Efficient, low power consumption edge computing to learn and implement intelligent decision making has evolved substantially.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
It’s also invested in OpenAI and cloud-computing firm CoreWeave.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Google is also one of Nvidia’s biggest customers, relying on a massive number of GPUs to support its cloud infrastructure and offer customers computing power to train and run their own AI models.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Previously limited to small, one-dimensional forms, time crystals can now be explored at larger scales thanks to IBM Quantum computers and innovative ways to combine quantum and classical computing resources.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
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Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
It’s also invested in OpenAI and cloud-computing firm CoreWeave.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Google is also one of Nvidia’s biggest customers, relying on a massive number of GPUs to support its cloud infrastructure and offer customers computing power to train and run their own AI models.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Previously limited to small, one-dimensional forms, time crystals can now be explored at larger scales thanks to IBM Quantum computers and innovative ways to combine quantum and classical computing resources.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl
Etymology
from Latin computare "to count, compute" — related to account, count entry 1
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