Definition of COMPOUND (original) (raw)
1
: something formed by a union of elements or parts
especially : a distinct substance formed by chemical union of two or more ingredients in definite proportion by weight
a new antibiotic compound
2
a
: a word consisting of components that are words (such as rowboat, high school, devil-may-care)
b
: a word (such as anthropology, kilocycle, builder) consisting of any of various combinations of words, combining forms, or affixes
1
a
: to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal
b
: to add to : augment
… had several other medical complications that compounded his condition.—
Jeffrey S. Hollis
2
: to form by combining parts
3
: to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : combine
… a thick sauce compounded of chilies, garlic, and ginger.—Andy Birsh
4
a
: to settle amicably : adjust by agreement
b
: to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense)
1
: to become joined in a compound
2
: to come to terms of agreement
compounded with the enemy for peace
1
: composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: such as
a
: having the blade divided to the midrib and forming two or more leaflets on a common axis
b
: composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent
2
: involving or used in a combination
3
a
of a word : made by combining two or more words : constituting a compound (see compound entry 1 sense 2)
"Steamboat" is a compound noun.
b
of a sentence : having two or more main clauses
: a fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings and especially residences
Synonyms
Examples of compound in a Sentence
Noun (1)
mixed the chemicals together to form a new compound The interest is compounded at regular intervals. we compounded our error by waiting too long to call for help Adjective
“Steamboat” is a compound noun. “I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1944 the compound and grounds became a park and museum after his widow, Betty, donated them to the state. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent cancer. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
These complications are compounded by Lebanon's confessional system mandating that the president be Maronite Christian, the prime minister Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament Shiite Muslim. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 These problems have been compounded by the rise of remote and hybrid work. —Francis Dinha, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Over the next five years, from 2024 to 2030, the AI market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36%, according to analysts. —Abdulwahab Mohammed, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 According to The Equity Studio, the global functional beverage market specifically is projected to hit $449 billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 7 percent. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for compound 
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English compounen, from Anglo-French *cumpundre, from Latin componere, from com- + ponere to put — more at position
Adjective and Noun (1)
Middle English compouned, past participle of compounen — see compound entry 2
Noun (2)
by folk etymology from Malay kampung group of buildings, village
First Known Use
Noun (1)
1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun (2)
1679, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of compound was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near compound
Cite this Entry
“Compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compound. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 11 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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