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

Their intensity and compression of timescale require curatorial decisions to be shaped by different tempos of attention. —Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026

Fortune also previously reported that some firms deploying AI are now completing product cycles that previously took 24 to 36 months in as little as six months—a compression of time-to-market that’s difficult to reverse once a rival has achieved it. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026

Instead, they are harnessed for compression. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

During a field sobriety test, deputies observed Woods limping and wearing a compression sock over his right knee. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 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