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
• cipher
• figure
• reckon
• work out

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

Now, around 95% of U.S. households own at least one type of computing device, per the latest available Census data. —Cheyenne Devon, CNBC, 20 July 2024

The heat index, which is a figure computed from both heat and humidity was as high as 105. —Martin Weil, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

Conclusion Yes, the demand for computing power is skyrocketing. —Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2024

People on the coasts always had trouble computing that the people in the middle could live radical lives. —Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin computare — more at count

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing compute

• pre-compute

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