compute

American  

[kuhm-pyoot] / kəmˈpyut /

verb (used with object)

computed, computing

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)

computed, computing

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

• computability noun
• computable adjective
• computably adverb
• computist noun
• miscompute verb
• precompute verb
• recompute verb (used with object)
• uncomputable adjective
• uncomputableness noun
• uncomputably adverb
• uncomputed adjective

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

On Wednesday, Tesla surprised Wall Street with better-than-expected profit and free cash flow, while also forecasting $25 billion in capital expenditures this year as it spends on AI compute and new factories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“Driven by massive compute demand, data centers are transitioning to 800-volt DC designs and adopting power systems architecture and technology from the electric-vehicle industry,” CEO Siva Sivaram said on the earnings call.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

“As of late, we have been seeing more and more demand for having the compute closer and closer to the workloads,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

In March, the company announced it would be shutting down its Sora video platform — a decision which raised questions over OpenAI’s strategy for how to allocate limited compute to its offerings.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

The praetor glanced over, her dark eyebrows furrowed, as if join us didn’t quite compute.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge