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

This data processing system must be able to handle large volumes of information in real time, and that may take significant computing resources. —Don Murray, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Here are Tuesday’s biggest calls on Wall Street: Loop initiates Penguin Solutions as buy Loop said the technology computing company is well positioned for artificial intelligence. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025

Medical device manufacturers tend to focus on their unique area of expertise (e.g. gene sequencing) and rely on outside suppliers and services to build the underlying computing infrastructure of the device. —Ars Technica, 7 Jan. 2025

When it’s released, Digits will be the most powerful consumer computing hardware Nvidia offers. —Will Knight, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2025

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