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 Finder
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
Micro LLMs offer a more practical and sustainable solution than their massive counterparts, which require enormous energy sources and computing resources, including hyper-fast chips, to support millions of users' demands.
—Jimmie Lee, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In 2017, researchers at Chinese technology firm Baidu demonstrated that pouring more data and computing power into machine learning algorithms yielded mathematically predictable improvements—regardless of whether the system was designed to recognize images, speech, or generate language.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Meta has been so quick to build out its massive data center and computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence projects that CEO Mark Zuckerberg is even a bit surprised.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
In our review of the Asus Zenbook 14, our expert applauded the thin, lightweight build and long battery life, which are paramount for computing on the go.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compute 
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.
Jimmie Lee, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In 2017, researchers at Chinese technology firm Baidu demonstrated that pouring more data and computing power into machine learning algorithms yielded mathematically predictable improvements—regardless of whether the system was designed to recognize images, speech, or generate language.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Meta has been so quick to build out its massive data center and computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence projects that CEO Mark Zuckerberg is even a bit surprised.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
In our review of the Asus Zenbook 14, our expert applauded the thin, lightweight build and long battery life, which are paramount for computing on the go.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compute
Articles Related to compute
Dictionary Entries Near compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share