compute

verb

com·​pute kəm-ˈpyüt How to pronounce compute (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regardless, the computing world looks Apple’s way with every new generation of its M-series silicon, and Apple indeed continues to lead in a host of areas. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 The Apollo 11 Analogy: Maximizing Minimal Resources A compelling analogy for today’s quantum computing state is the Apollo 11 mission. Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Contributor Brad Bourque is a contributor for WIRED with a focus on computing hardware and peripherals. Condé Nast, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024 Rather, the team had to compute the probability of finding upper and lower paths over a subset of these outcomes — much as polls sample from a subset of voters to predict the result of an election. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compute 

Word History

Etymology

Latin computare — more at count

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of compute was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near compute

Cite this Entry

“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

compute

verb
com·​pute kəm-ˈpyüt How to pronounce compute (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on compute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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