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
Synonyms
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
Moore had surgery for a spinal compression on Tuesday, three days earlier.
—
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
Wearing compression stockings, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and taking frequent movement breaks throughout the day can all help reduce your risk.
—Laura Schober, Health, 12 Jan. 2025
Renard can be heard counting, doing what sounds like chest compressions.
—Natalie Morales, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2025
The carry-on also features shoe bags and internal compression systems, while the check-in includes packing cubes.
—Lois Alter Mark, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compression 
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.
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
Wearing compression stockings, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and taking frequent movement breaks throughout the day can all help reduce your risk.
—Laura Schober, Health, 12 Jan. 2025
Renard can be heard counting, doing what sounds like chest compressions.
—Natalie Morales, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2025
The carry-on also features shoe bags and internal compression systems, while the check-in includes packing cubes.
—Lois Alter Mark, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compression
Dictionary Entries Near compression
Cite this Entry
“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share