compute

American  

[kuhm-pyoot] / kəmˈpyut /

verb (used with object)

computes, present (3rd person singular) computed, past participle, past computing present participle

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.

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verb (used without object)

computes, present (3rd person singular) computed, past participle, past computing present participle

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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• uncomputable
  adjective
• uncomputableness
  noun
• computably
  adverb
• uncomputably
  adverb
• precompute
  verb
• computist
  noun
• computable
  adjective
• uncomputed
  adjective
• recompute
  verb (used with object)
• miscompute
  verb
• computability
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have computed
  perfect
• has computed
  perfect 3rd person singular
• has been computing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• have been computing
  perfect progressive
• are computing
  progressive
• am computing
  progressive 1st person singular
• computing
  participle
• computes
  singular 3rd person
• is computing
  progressive 3rd person singular

Past

• had computed
  perfect
• were computing
  progressive plural
• had been computing
  perfect progressive
• was computing
  progressive singular
• computed
  simple
• computed
  participle

Future

• will compute
  simple
• will have computed
  perfect
• will be computing
  progressive
• will have been computing
  perfect progressive

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.

Example Sentences

The second batch has similar market cap milestones, but vest should the company create non-Earth-based data centers capable of delivering 100 terawatts of compute per year.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

SpaceX also secured a deal with Anthropic, which agreed to pay $1.25 billion monthly for compute capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Moe points out that since “the demand for compute is growing faster than supply can respond, the market continues to underprice the likely duration of the semiconductor memory cycle.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

“As AI workloads continue to scale and drive unprecedented demand for compute, power delivery has become one of the most critical challenges in enabling next-generation gigawatt AI factories,” said CEO Chris Allexandre in the statement.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

For years, he’s been trying to compute a mathematical problem in his head that does not compute.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge