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
Now, nearly everyone can access some level of computing resources through cloud computing, where resources are pooled together and stored remotely in these data centers.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025
Tunguz, founder of Theory Ventures, said the other company with a notably high ratio, at 120%, is CoreWeave, which provides cloud computing services built largely around Nvidia's graphics processing units.
—Ari Levy, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025
Because the computing elements run much faster than the data can move – and because the chip can’t store enough memory close by – the system ends up constantly waiting on information.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025
During the time spent building the electrical supply, computing technology advances, including both the capabilities and the efficiency of the kinds of calculations artificial intelligence systems require.
—Theodore J. Kury, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
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Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025
Tunguz, founder of Theory Ventures, said the other company with a notably high ratio, at 120%, is CoreWeave, which provides cloud computing services built largely around Nvidia's graphics processing units.
—Ari Levy, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025
Because the computing elements run much faster than the data can move – and because the chip can’t store enough memory close by – the system ends up constantly waiting on information.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025
During the time spent building the electrical supply, computing technology advances, including both the capabilities and the efficiency of the kinds of calculations artificial intelligence systems require.
—Theodore J. Kury, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 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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