compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpre-shən 

1

a

: the act, process, or result of compressing

b

: the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)

3

: the compressed remains of a fossil plant

4

: conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required

compressional

kəm-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of compression

• squeezing
• condensing
• contraction
• condensation
• squeeze
• contracting
• constriction

Examples of compression in a Sentence

the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Recent Examples on the Web

It was engineered with moisture-wicking technology, four-way stretch, and UPF 50+ protection in a lightweight fabric designed to move without restriction or compression – all while preserving the signature softness Beyond Yoga is known for. — Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Meanwhile, the sharp compression of Axis Bank's NIMs was mostly due to the impact of loan repricing, Indian brokerage Motilal Oswal said in a report on Monday. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 20 July 2026

The Harris County medical examiner's office ruled her death a homicide caused by neck compression. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The swinging design and compression help with vestibular input and calming. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for compression

• accession
• aggression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

Kids Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

compressional

-(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

: the act, process, or result of compressing especially when involving a compressing force on a bodily part

compression of an artery by forceps

compression of the brain by the bones of a depressed fracture