compose

verb

com·​pose kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce compose (audio)
composed; composing

transitive verb

1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
a committee composed of three representativesCurrent Biography
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
composed of many ingredients
c
: to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition
2
a
: to create by mental or artistic labor : produce
compose a sonnet
b(1)
: to formulate and write (a piece of music)
composed a symphony
(2)
: to compose music for
3
: to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum
compose their differences
4
: to arrange in proper or orderly form
The two men had laid him on the bed, and composed his limbs.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
5
: to free from agitation : calm, settle
composed himself
Life moves on, … and one must compose oneself to meet it …Rose Macaulay

intransitive verb

: to practice composition (as of literary, musical, or typographical work)
At the age of 10, he was composing at the piano.

Examples of compose in a Sentence

She composed a letter to her sister. He is in his studio composing.
Recent Examples on the Web Along with Bacon joining the set, their son Travis, 34, composed the film's music. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 They’re composed of electronic circuits with batteries and leads anchored to the heart muscle to stimulate it. Pengju Li, Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2024 The modern design is composed of a series of angular areas around an exterior courtyard. Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2024 Nick Cave, who was tapped to compose the score for the Sam Taylor-Johnson film alongside Warren Ellis, recorded an original song for the soundtrack. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 The bracelet is composed of huayruro seeds (native to the Amazon rainforest) and evil-eye beads, a symbol that plays a large role in Arabic superstitions. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The commission, which continues to investigate the shooting, is composed of a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a former US Attorney for the District of Maine and several former judges, including the former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial court. Emma Tucker, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 While Dolce & Gabbana composed an ode to this archetype, others are taking it apart, using the satin-lapel jacket or the cummerbund as a way to play against formality or gender stereotypes. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 The short films from last year’s inaugural cohort – which included the writing discipline instead of composing – will be screened this spring. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) — more at compound

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compose was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compose

Cite this Entry

“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

compose

verb
com·​pose kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce compose (audio)
composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
b
: to form the substance of : constitute
a stew composed of many ingredients
c
: to arrange type in order for printing : set
2
: to create by mental or artistic labor
compose a song
3
: to arrange in proper form
4
a
: to make (oneself) calm
b
: to gain control of
try to compose your feelings

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