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 of compute

• 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

The cybersecurity and cloud computing company is benefiting from the surge in investment in artificial-intelligence technology. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

The device, called 3D-MIND, embeds groups of living neurons within a three-dimensional electronic scaffold designed to support communication between biological tissue and computing hardware. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

The American cybersecurity and cloud computing firm reported Thursday that first-quarter revenue rose 6% to over $1 billion. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 May 2026

Recently, however, the AI boom is amplifying the need for computing power, and, in turn, the demand for data centers. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin computare — more at count

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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