compute

American  

[kuhm-pyoot] / kəmˈpjut /

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

• computability
  noun
• computist
  noun
• uncomputableness
  noun
• miscompute
  verb
• precompute
  verb
• computable
  adjective
• uncomputable
  adjective
• uncomputed
  adjective
• computably
  adverb
• uncomputably
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Participles

• computing
  present
• computed
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• compute
  simple
• computes
  simple
• have computed
  perfect
• has computed
  perfect
• am computing
  progressive
• are computing
  progressive
• is computing
  progressive
• have been computing
  perfect progressive
• has been computing
  perfect progressive

Past

• computed
  simple
• had computed
  perfect
• was computing
  progressive
• were computing
  progressive
• had been computing
  perfect progressive

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

This agreement “positions Micron to support Anthropic’s multiyear growth trajectory as the frontier AI lab scales its compute strategy for the long term,” Micron said in a statement.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

“Without the frontier model, without the compute resources, it was very hard for Cursor to compete. But again, they still had something unique,” D.A.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

“Eventually the lines will cross, and eventually, orbital compute will be a better option than terrestrial compute,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

Carlsten previously served as chief executive of DCAI, an AI company providing large-scale GPU compute infrastructure and enterprise AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Who will compute the lonely nights made less lonely by your songs, or by the empty pots made less tragic by your tales?

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge