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
Administrators then questioned them, computed risk scores and decided who to detain.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Nebius, which is based in Amsterdam, will deliver computing resources to Microsoft using a data center in New Jersey, according to a statement.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
The amplituhedron is an incredibly powerful calculational tool, enabling those who work with them to compute — by hand, mind you — scattering amplitudes for problems that could not have been feasibly calculated even by a computer beforehand.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Unlike ordinary bits, these computing elements are made of quantum objects that can be in two possible states, labeled 0 and 1, at the same time.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
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Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Nebius, which is based in Amsterdam, will deliver computing resources to Microsoft using a data center in New Jersey, according to a statement.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
The amplituhedron is an incredibly powerful calculational tool, enabling those who work with them to compute — by hand, mind you — scattering amplitudes for problems that could not have been feasibly calculated even by a computer beforehand.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Unlike ordinary bits, these computing elements are made of quantum objects that can be in two possible states, labeled 0 and 1, at the same time.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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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