compressed; compressing; compresses
1
: to press or squeeze together
2
: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing
compress a computer file
: to undergo compression
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres 
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2
: a machine for compressing
Synonyms
Examples of compress in a Sentence
Verb
compress the air in a closed chamber
Her lips compressed into a frown.
a material that compresses easily
This type of file compresses easily.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gurufocus, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Some settlement appears to have started right around the time when the construction of new buildings nearby began, and when vibration might have caused layers of sand to compress further – just like shaking ground coffee in a tin will make room for more.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Once the sash is closed, the overhanging rubber material compresses against the window frame to prevent airflow.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compress 
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Verb
To get a return less than that projected by the above formula, either the company has to underperform the consensus growth estimates or the stock's valuation would need to compress.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Some settlement appears to have started right around the time when the construction of new buildings nearby began, and when vibration might have caused layers of sand to compress further – just like shaking ground coffee in a tin will make room for more.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
Consider soaking the area with a warm, wet compress before applying.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Once the sash is closed, the overhanging rubber material compresses against the window frame to prevent airflow.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compress
Dictionary Entries Near compress
Cite this Entry
“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compress. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compress
1 of 2 verb
com·press
kəm-ˈpres
1
: to press or become pressed together
2
: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure
compressibility
noun
-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
compressible
adjective
-ˈpres-ə-bəl
compress
2 of 2 noun
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
a cold compress
2
: a machine for compressing
Medical Definition
compress
1 of 2 transitive verb
com·press
kəm-ˈpres
1
: to press or squeeze together
a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve
2
: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
compress air
compress
2 of 2 noun
com·press
ˈkäm-ˌpres
1
: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing
2
: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)
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