computed; computing
: to determine especially by mathematical means
Compute the area of the triangle.
1
: to make calculation : reckon
They compute by weight in selling grain.
2
: to use a computer
3
informal
: to make sense
No matter how you do the math, it will not work … . It simply does not compute.—
Chuck Finder
Chuck Finder
Examples of compute in a Sentence
for the test we were required to compute the answers without using a calculator
Recent Examples on the Web
The technology from Hubble Network promises to give IoT devices and computing equipment another way to receive data, outside of typically broadband access.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 6 May 2024
Bills, Bills, Bills AI startups are expensive companies to set up and operate because of their need for computing power, Peiris says.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for compute 
Michael Kan, PCMAG, 6 May 2024
Bills, Bills, Bills AI startups are expensive companies to set up and operate because of their need for computing power, Peiris says.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for compute
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 13 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compute
verb
com·pute
kəm-ˈpyüt 
computed; computing
1
: to determine or calculate especially by mathematical means
also
: to determine or calculate by means of a computer
2
informal
: to make sense
computable
adjective
-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl
Etymology
from Latin computare "to count, compute" — related to account, count entry 1
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