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

Automobiles—from passenger cars to heavy trucks—are continuing their evolution toward becoming computing platforms on wheels, and Qualcomm is aiding that evolution. —Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Companies can opt to pay to access their files and computing power through a cloud instead of investing in databases and hardware, so the cloud also offers companies data analytics, AI, and applications for business functions, according to oracle.com. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Meeting the world's ever-increasing demand for computing capabilities is quite a task. —New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2024

But Google also has unmatched computing infrastructure, unique data from sibling services such as Maps, and more than a quarter-century of brand recognition with consumers. —Paresh Dave, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024

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