compartment

[ kuhm-pahrt-muhnt ]

noun

1. a part or space marked or partitioned off.

   Synonyms: section, division

2. a separate room, section, etc.:

   a baggage compartment.

3. U.S. Railroads. a private bedroom with toilet facilities.
4. a separate aspect, function, or the like:

   the compartments of the human mind.

5. Architecture. a distinct major division of a design.
6. Heraldry. a decorative base, as a grassy mound, on which the supporters of an escutcheon stand or rest.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into compartments.

compartment

/ kəmˈpɑːtmənt; ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəl /

noun

1. one of the sections into which an area, esp an enclosed space, is divided or partitioned
2. any separate part or section

   a compartment of the mind

3. a small storage space; locker

Derived Forms

• ˌcompartˈmentally, adverb
• compartmental, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compartment¹

1555–65; < Middle French compartiment < Italian compartimento. See compart, -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of compartment¹

C16: from French compartiment, ultimately from Late Latin compartīrī to share, from Latin com- with + partīrī to apportion, from pars part

Example Sentences

However suggestions to replace ambulance sirens with healthy eating advice, and install Thunderbird 2-style detachable patient compartments in ambulances, appear to still be online.

From BBC

They believe the "renovations" on the boat were partly to fit it with secret compartments, and that the drugs were loaded on to the vessel before the sailors were hired.

From BBC

If you are checking luggage, make sure to bring a small overnight backpack that will fit in your room or in the overhead compartment near your coach seat.

From Los Angeles Times

The septuagenarian student said people now were not "as judgmental" as they had been in the past, adding: "You don't get put in a compartment so much."

From BBC

The compartments have laptops so crew can stay in contact with family and a nook for personal belongings like photographs or books.

From BBC

Related Words

• alcove
• carriage
• cell
• chamber
• cubicle
• locker
• slot