To compute means to calculate or figure something out, especially using mathematics. When you compute the answer to 47 + 38, you're working through the steps to find that it equals 85. Scientists compute how fast a rocket needs to travel to escape Earth's gravity. Engineers compute the strength needed for a bridge to hold heavy traffic.

Before electronic computers existed, people computed by hand, using pencil and paper, slide rules, or mechanical adding machines. The word computer originally meant a person whose job was computing: rooms full of human computers would work through complex calculations for hours.

Today we use the word for both human and machine calculation. You might compute your total score in a game by adding up points from each round. A spacecraft's navigation system computes its position millions of times per second. Your teacher might compute your final grade by combining test scores, homework, and class participation.

The word suggests methodical, step-by-step thinking rather than guessing or estimating. When you compute something, you're following logical rules to reach a definite result.