compression
noun
com·pres·sion
kəm-ˈpre-shən 
1
a
: the act, process, or result of compressing
b
: the state of being compressed
2
: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)
3
: the compressed remains of a fossil plant
4
: conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required
Examples of compression in a Sentence
the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy
Recent Examples on the Web
Daviet died of cardiorespiratory failure with signs of asphyxiation and cervical compression, according to the police prosecutor’s statement.
—
Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Five years later, its compression-fit, tech-enabled athletic wear is set to debut this month.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The expandable design gives you extra packing space, while seatbelt-style compression straps help keep your clothes secure and maximize interior storage area.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
On long flights, your legs tend to swell, leading to discomfort, cramping, and even numbness—but a good pair of compression leggings, like this pick from CompressionZ, can prevent those symptoms.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compression
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Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Five years later, its compression-fit, tech-enabled athletic wear is set to debut this month.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The expandable design gives you extra packing space, while seatbelt-style compression straps help keep your clothes secure and maximize interior storage area.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
On long flights, your legs tend to swell, leading to discomfort, cramping, and even numbness—but a good pair of compression leggings, like this pick from CompressionZ, can prevent those symptoms.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compression
Cite this Entry
“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compression
noun
com·pres·sion
kəm-ˈpresh-ən
1
: the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed
2
: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
Medical Definition
compression
noun
com·pres·sion
kəm-ˈpresh-ən
: the act, process, or result of compressing especially when involving a compressing force on a bodily part
compression of an artery by forceps
compression of the brain by the bones of a depressed fracture
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