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
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
Suoco Travel Vacuum Bags Vacuum compression bags like these are a lifesaver for overpackers like me.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Tons of Spanx shapewear and intimates are on sale, including this wireless bra that offers full coverage, compression, and barely-there straps.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
If TPUs offer similar performance at better economics, Nvidia risks margin compression.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
New & Noteworthy ACE Flex Comfort Compression Knee Sleeves provide compression to help relieve muscle and joint stiffness, soreness and swelling, and are recommended for mild arthritis, sprains and strains.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 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.
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Tons of Spanx shapewear and intimates are on sale, including this wireless bra that offers full coverage, compression, and barely-there straps.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
If TPUs offer similar performance at better economics, Nvidia risks margin compression.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
New & Noteworthy ACE Flex Comfort Compression Knee Sleeves provide compression to help relieve muscle and joint stiffness, soreness and swelling, and are recommended for mild arthritis, sprains and strains.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compression
Cite this Entry
“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 17 Sep. 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