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
To that end, the majority of the songs Metallica performed on Saturday night were all composed and written when original members Ulrich and Hetfield were still in their 20s.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
And so yet another coalition, composed of nonprofits and advocacy groups, wrote its own petition for OpenAI’s plans to be investigated, with the aim of preventing charitable organizations from being leveraged for financial gain in the future.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
The height limit for buildings composed of this type of steel is currently limited to six stories — a figure that could rise to 10 if the experiments produce satisfactory results.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Hector Vivas/Getty Images The European Ryder Cup team is composed through a points system that ranks all eligible players.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
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Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
And so yet another coalition, composed of nonprofits and advocacy groups, wrote its own petition for OpenAI’s plans to be investigated, with the aim of preventing charitable organizations from being leveraged for financial gain in the future.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
The height limit for buildings composed of this type of steel is currently limited to six stories — a figure that could rise to 10 if the experiments produce satisfactory results.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Hector Vivas/Getty Images The European Ryder Cup team is composed through a points system that ranks all eligible players.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compose
Cite this Entry
“Compose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compose. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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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