composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
a committee composed of three representatives—
Current Biography
Current Biography
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
composed of many ingredients
c
: to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition
2
a
: to create by mental or artistic labor : produce
compose a sonnet
b(1)
: to formulate and write (a piece of music)
composed a symphony
(2)
: to compose music for
3
: to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum
compose their differences
4
: to arrange in proper or orderly form
The two men had laid him on the bed, and composed his limbs.—Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
: to practice composition (as of literary, musical, or typographical work)
At the age of 10, he was composing at the piano.
Examples of compose in a Sentence
She composed a letter to her sister.
He is in his studio composing.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, under the category of non-leafy greens — which compose 25 percent of a rabbit's diet — banana peppers and green bell peppers are considered safe foods.
—Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
The City Council is composed of four councilmembers and the mayor.
—Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, also reportedly used Google Bard (now Gemini) to help compose a legal document that landed in front of a federal judge.
—Emily Dreibelbis Forlini, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
Outside, the home presents roofing composed of tiles materials.
—Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compose 
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Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
The City Council is composed of four councilmembers and the mayor.
—Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, also reportedly used Google Bard (now Gemini) to help compose a legal document that landed in front of a federal judge.
—Emily Dreibelbis Forlini, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
Outside, the home presents roofing composed of tiles materials.
—Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compose
Dictionary Entries Near compose
Cite this Entry
“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compose
verb
com·pose
kəm-ˈpōz 
composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
a stew composed of many ingredients
c
: to arrange type in order for printing : set
2
: to create by mental or artistic labor
compose a song
3
: to arrange in proper form
4
: to make calm
composed himself
compose your feelings
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