computed; computing
: to determine especially by mathematical means
Compute the area of the triangle.
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
Chuck FinderExamples of compute in a Sentence
for the test we were required to compute the answers without using a calculator
Recent Examples on the Web
Another whiff like that will only cement the idea that Apple is woefully behind its peers in AI and risks losing control over the next major computing platform to a rival like Google or a startup like OpenAI.
—Steve Kovach, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025
In this prototype, only two zones, namely computing and long-term storage, were used, while the third zone, the read-out zone, will be deployed in the next stage.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
To try to alleviate the situation, a startup is working on cutting the heat produced in computation by making computing reversible.
—Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025
The Warner War is only a month or so old with Hollywood fervently trying to compute who will be the true winners or losers.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
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Steve Kovach, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025
In this prototype, only two zones, namely computing and long-term storage, were used, while the third zone, the read-out zone, will be deployed in the next stage.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
To try to alleviate the situation, a startup is working on cutting the heat produced in computation by making computing reversible.
—Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025
The Warner War is only a month or so old with Hollywood fervently trying to compute who will be the true winners or losers.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl
Etymology
from Latin computare "to count, compute" — related to account, count entry 1
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