compute
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to reckon; calculate.
-
to use a computer or calculator.
-
Informal. to make sense; add up.
His reasons for doing that just don't compute.
noun
-
Outer space is vast beyond compute.
-
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
- computability noun
- computable adjective
- computably adverb
- computist noun
- miscompute verb
- precompute verb
- recompute verb (used with object)
- uncomputable adjective
- uncomputableness noun
- uncomputably adverb
- uncomputed adjective
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; count 1, putative
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.
“The consumption of such expanded AI compute capacity by Anthropic is dependent on Anthropic’s continued commercial success,” Broadcom noted in a filing.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
“The consumption of such expanded AI compute capacity by Anthropic is dependent on Anthropic’s continued commercial success,” Broadcom noted in a filing.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
Anthropic will access about 3.5 gigawatts of TPU-based computing capacity beginning in 2027 as part of its commitment for multiple gigawatts of compute capacity, Broadcom said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
He cited the internal compute shortage as the limiting factor, which he predicted would clear up this year for his team.
From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026
He blinks at me, as if this doesn’t compute.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
![]()
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.