compute
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to reckon; calculate.
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to use a computer or calculator.
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Informal. to make sense; add up.
His reasons for doing that just don't compute.
noun
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Outer space is vast beyond compute.
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the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer, network, or program to function.
To meet today's business demands, you need a solid foundation of compute.
adjective
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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uncomputableadjective
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uncomputablenessnoun
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computablyadverb
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uncomputablyadverb
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precomputeverb
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computistnoun
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computableadjective
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uncomputedadjective
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recomputeverb (used with object)
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miscomputeverb
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computabilitynoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have computedperfect
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has computedperfect 3rd person singular
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has been computingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been computingperfect progressive
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are computingprogressive
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am computingprogressive 1st person singular
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computingparticiple
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computessingular 3rd person
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is computingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
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had computedperfect
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were computingprogressive plural
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had been computingperfect progressive
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was computingprogressive singular
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computedsimple
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computedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of compute
First recorded in 1375–1425, for an earlier sense; 1580–90 compute for def. 6; (for the verb) from Latin computāre, from com- com- + putāre “to think”; (for the noun) late Middle English from Middle French from Late Latin computus “calculation, number,” noun derivative of computāre; cf. count 1, putative
Explanation
When you solve a mathematical problem, you compute the answer. To compute is to calculate, either literally or figuratively. Computers do the math for you, faster than humans ever can. You'll often hear someone say that something "does not compute." This means it doesn't add up, it doesn't make sense. You might compute how long it will take you to get to school or the likelihood that your mother will let you stay out late.
Vocabulary lists containing compute
Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 4
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The Number System
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Number and Operations: Fractions
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Broadcom, Apollo Global Management, and Blackstone launched an AI XPV Platform to power over 20 gigawatts of compute capacity by 2028.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
The platform, called the AI XPV Platform, will enable more than 20 gigawatts in compute capacity through 2028, employing Broadcom’s chips and networking solutions to support companies including Anthropic and OpenAI.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Oracle’s shares have surged higher in recent weeks on the back of “strong investor appetite to be long compute names,” Wood wrote.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
The platform will begin with a $35 billion investment, led by Apollo, to facilitate Anthropic’s previously-announced capacity expansion of more than 1 gigawatt of compute infrastructure expected this year.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
I was to look through his long calculation sheets and compute an answer for him.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
