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
While the exact terms of these agreements are rarely released to the public, the compensation estimates pale in comparison with the vast outlays for computing power and energy that the company readily spends.
—Mary Rasenberger, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2024
The requirements would only apply to systems that cost more than $100 million in computing power to train.
—Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 2 July 2024
Chinese tech firms are rationing the use of their AI services because a lack of computing power, caused from a shortage of chips, reports The Information.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 28 June 2024
Another source of computing overhead is quantum-error correction.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for compute 
Mary Rasenberger, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2024
The requirements would only apply to systems that cost more than $100 million in computing power to train.
—Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 2 July 2024
Chinese tech firms are rationing the use of their AI services because a lack of computing power, caused from a shortage of chips, reports The Information.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 28 June 2024
Another source of computing overhead is quantum-error correction.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 25 June 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.
Articles Related to compute
Dictionary Entries Near compute
Cite this Entry
“Compute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compute. Accessed 15 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share