composed; composing
1
a
: to form by putting together : fashion
a committee composed of three representatives—
Current Biography
Current 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
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
: 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
Its soft tip gently dispenses a medicated liquid composed of benzocaine 5%, camphor 3%, and phenol 1.35%, instantly disinfecting it and providing mess-free relief.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 4 June 2024
Meanwhile, the appeal moved forward, and in December, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, composed of a five-judge panel, heard the case.
—Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024
The jury, composed of 12 Manhattan residents, found that Trump illegally falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 31 May 2024
It is composed mostly of private houses and cottages of various sizes and age.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for compose 
Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 4 June 2024
Meanwhile, the appeal moved forward, and in December, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, composed of a five-judge panel, heard the case.
—Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024
The jury, composed of 12 Manhattan residents, found that Trump illegally falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 31 May 2024
It is composed mostly of private houses and cottages of various sizes and age.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for compose
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compose
verb
com·pose
kəm-ˈpōz 
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
: to make calm
composed himself
compose your feelings
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