compute

American  

[kuhm-pyoot] / kəmˈpyut /

verb (used with object)

computed, computing

1. to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate.

   These early astronomers computed the period of Jupiter's revolution.

   Synonyms:

   figure, count, estimate

2. to determine by using a computer or calculator.

---

verb (used without object)

computed, computing

1. to reckon; calculate.

2. to use a computer or calculator.

3. Informal. to make sense; add up.

   His reasons for doing that just don't compute.

noun

1. computation.

   Outer space is vast beyond compute.

2. 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

1. relating to or comprising the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer or program to function.

   The system uses intelligent load balancing so as to maximally utilize the available compute power.

compute British  

/ kəmˈpjuːt /

verb

1. to calculate (an answer, result, etc), often with the aid of a computer

---

noun

1. calculation; computation (esp in the phrase beyond compute )

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

While Broadcom is winning new business, it’s not the only game in town, and the big AI companies are increasingly diversifying their supply arrangements as they look to amass as much compute as possible.

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

Microsoft’s internal compute capacity reservation for AI research led to disappointing Azure sales and a 10% stock decline.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

“Together, consumer adoption, enterprise deployment, developer usage and compute form a reinforcing flywheel that is translating capability into economic impact.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

“And I want you to tell me what the needles register. Just give me the calibration; I can compute it.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge