compartment

American  

[kuhm-pahrt-muhnt] / kəmˈpɑrt mənt /

noun

1. a part or space marked or partitioned off.

   Synonyms:

   section, division

2. a separate room, section, etc..

   a baggage compartment.

3. U.S. Railroads. a private bedroom with toilet facilities.

4. a separate aspect, function, or the like.

   the compartments of the human mind.

5. Architecture. a distinct major division of a design.

6. Heraldry. a decorative base, as a grassy mound, on which the supporters of an escutcheon stand or rest.

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verb (used with object)

1. to divide into compartments.

compartment British  

/ kəmˈpɑːtmənt, ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəl /

noun

1. one of the sections into which an area, esp an enclosed space, is divided or partitioned

2. any separate part or section

   a compartment of the mind

3. a small storage space; locker

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Other Word Forms

• compartmental adjective
• compartmentally adverb

Etymology

Origin of compartment

1555–65; < Middle French compartiment < Italian compartimento. See compart, -ment

Example Sentences

The researchers describe this system as a "pseudo-organelle," a functional compartment that is not enclosed by a membrane but still plays a major role in organizing cell behavior.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

A one-way fare to North Korea cost roughly $150 to $215—the higher price granting passengers a softer bed and a door for their bunker compartment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The robots have four wheels and a bigger internal compartment for carrying food and goods .

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

She said, the injury had caused "compartment syndrome" which put her leg at risk.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Only the scent of cedarwood lay inside, and I realized the rattling that I thought came from within the box was the key in its hidden compartment.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

Related Words

• alcove
• carriage
• cell
• chamber
• cubicle
• locker
• slot