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

The companies aim to create platforms that compute and store data in Japan, while allowing clients to access the platforms through Microsoft’s Azure cloud services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Some investors are worried that Oracle’s cloud business, which sells compute to customers like OpenAI, will carry fundamentally lower margins than its traditional software business.

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

The hyperscalers like Snowflake because it brings more workloads onto their core compute platforms.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The praetor glanced over, her dark eyebrows furrowed, as if join us didn’t quite compute.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge