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
Ultimately, healthcare faces crucial decisions regarding computing power, which is becoming as vital as electricity for modern medicine.
—
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
In this case, the goal is to obtain the most computing power for every dollar spent, an increasingly critical consideration as companies race to deploy AI at scale.
—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
The approach uses the aspherical electron densities computed using quantum mechanics to arrive at accurate determinations of atomic positions.
—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
26 June 2026
The announcements come as the rapid expansion of AI data centers heightens demand for computing power, exacerbating a chip shortage.
—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for compute
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Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
In this case, the goal is to obtain the most computing power for every dollar spent, an increasingly critical consideration as companies race to deploy AI at scale.
—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
The approach uses the aspherical electron densities computed using quantum mechanics to arrive at accurate determinations of atomic positions.
—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
26 June 2026
The announcements come as the rapid expansion of AI data centers heightens demand for computing power, exacerbating a chip shortage.
—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
25 June 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 30 Jun. 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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