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.

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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

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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

“This disciplined focus on where we apply that compute allows us to grow, innovate faster, and deliver more efficiently to enterprises and developers,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Semiconductor-equipment makers are seen as major beneficiaries of AI demand as hyperscale cloud providers look to spend even more money on compute.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

But Sora also cost massive compute run time, with OpenAI spending a reported $15 million a day to tickle a nonpaying public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Back then, investors were worried about a Chinese artificial-intelligence startup that said it was able to train a sophisticated AI model with far less compute than what other developers seemed to require.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

“It did not compute in my kid brain.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge