compass
noun
an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
compasses
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pluralof compass.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof compass (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
compassnounan instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
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.
Cemeteries are invaluable compasses, a theme that binds Enriquez’s essays, and “Somebody Is Walking on Your Grave” is an immersive testament to her genius.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2025
Guided by phosphorescent compasses strapped to their wrists, the divers reached the ship in just a few minutes.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2025
Dr. Sharvit speculated that, lacking compasses, astrolabes or sextants, seafarers in the 14th century B.C. probably relied on celestial navigation, taking sightings and angles of the sun and star positions.
From New York Times ● Jun. 20, 2024
From compasses and electric motors to generators -- these and other devices would not exist without ferromagnetism.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 21, 2023
In the morning the men took out their maps and compasses, checked nearby landmarks . . . and realized the British plane had badly missed the intended drop target.
From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin
