compressed; compressing; compresses
1
: to press or squeeze together
2
: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing
compress a computer file
: to undergo compression
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres 
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2
: a machine for compressing
Synonyms
Examples of compress in a Sentence
Verb
compress the air in a closed chamber
Her lips compressed into a frown.
a material that compresses easily
This type of file compresses easily.
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2024
But between two million and three million years ago, the researchers posit that an interstellar cloud compressed the heliosphere, temporarily leaving much of the solar system, including Earth, vulnerable.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 June 2024
David Hampton, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024
Place a warm compress on your breasts for a few minutes before feeding time.
—Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for compress 
Verb
The season for festivals in Idaho, by necessity, is compressed to the summer months.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2024
But between two million and three million years ago, the researchers posit that an interstellar cloud compressed the heliosphere, temporarily leaving much of the solar system, including Earth, vulnerable.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 June 2024
Noun
Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can encourage fluid drainage and provide relief.
—David Hampton, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024
Place a warm compress on your breasts for a few minutes before feeding time.
—Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for compress
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near compress
Cite this Entry
“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compress. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compress
1 of 2 verb
com·press
kəm-ˈpres
1
: to press or become pressed together
2
: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure
compressibility
noun
-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
compressible
adjective
-ˈpres-ə-bəl
compress
2 of 2 noun
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
a cold compress
2
: a machine for compressing
Medical Definition
compress
1 of 2 transitive verb
com·press
kəm-ˈpres
1
: to press or squeeze together
a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve
2
: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
compress air
compress
2 of 2 noun
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres
1
: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing
2
: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)
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