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

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

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