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; count ¹, putative

Example Sentences

The companies aim to create platforms that compute and store data in Japan, while allowing clients to access the platforms through Microsoft’s Azure cloud services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“We are creating a new paradigm for AI: one that adapts to diverse hardware environments and delivers maximum intelligence per unit of compute and energy,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The hyperscalers like Snowflake because it brings more workloads onto their core compute platforms.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

And while OpenAI’s shuttering of its memory-intensive AI-video generator, Sora, may have been viewed as another negative for the memory trade, Moore thinks OpenAI is simply looking to put its compute resources elsewhere.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“My dear Mr. Bowditch, Moore didn’t compute that table. Do you know who did? Nevil Maskelyne, the royal astronomer of England!”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge