component

1 of 2

noun

com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
ˈkäm-ˌpō-, 
käm-ˈpō-
Synonyms of component
1
: a constituent part : ingredient
an important component of the program
stereo components
2
a
: any one of the vector terms added to form a vector sum or resultant
b
: a coordinate of a vector
also : either member of an ordered pair of numbers
componential
ˌkäm-pə-ˈnen(t)-shəl How to pronounce component (audio)
adjective

component

2 of 2

adjective

1
: serving or helping to constitute : constituent
component parts
2
of a video signal : split into multiple channels each carrying one particular set of data (such as one channel for black and white and one for color)
component input
compare composite entry 1 sense 4

Synonyms of component

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for component

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of component in a Sentence

Noun the components of an electric circuit He sells spare computer components. The interview is a key component in the hiring process. Hard work has been a major component of his success. Adjective the component parts of a machine
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Noun
There’s also a slinky visual component—a mini-film—that feels like vintage Madonna in its shock-and-awe sensibility. — Alex Frank, Vogue, 2 July 2026 Meanwhile, the infrared components illustrate the explosion’s growing shell filled with cosmic dust. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Adjective
By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics. — Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019 Once Cerar stepped down as prime minister earlier this year and the squabbling of coalition partners disappeared from the headlines, his image as a decent and component prime minister returned. — Tim Haughton, Washington Post, 5 June 2018 See All Example Sentences for component

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin component-, componens, present participle of componere to put together — more at compound

First Known Use

Noun

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of component was in 1645

Phrases Containing component

Rhymes for component

See All Rhymes for component

Browse Nearby Words

componency
component
componential
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Component.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/component. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

component

1 of 2 noun
com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce component (audio)
käm-;
ˈkäm-ˌpō-nənt
: a part or element of something
components of an electric circuit
components of a meal

component

2 of 2 adjective
: being or forming a part : constituent

Medical Definition

component

noun
com·​po·​nent kəm-ˈpō-nənt, ˈkäm-ˌ, käm-ˈ How to pronounce component (audio)
: a constituent part
the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas

More from Merriam-Webster on component

Nglish: Translation of component for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about component

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