compressor

noun

com·​pres·​sor kəm-ˈpre-sər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: one that compresses: such as
a
: a muscle that compresses a part
b
: a machine that compresses gases

Examples of compressor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Five excavators, compressors and breakers were doing the heavy lifting to bring rescuers closer to any possible survival zone. — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 On top of the possibility of your compressor overworking and breaking down prematurely, dirty coils can also lead to higher temperatures. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026 An air compressor, a small air tank, and a pneumatic piston are added in order to control the CVT's output compression. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Their compressors fire up when in the stations, cycling as the doors open and close. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compressor

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compressor was in 1839

Rhymes for compressor

See All Rhymes for compressor

Browse Nearby Words

compressometer
compressor
compressure
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compressor. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compressor

noun
com·​pres·​sor kəm-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: a person or machine that compresses
an air compressor

Medical Definition

compressor

noun
com·​pres·​sor -ˈpres-ər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: one that compresses: as
a
: a muscle that compresses a part
b
: a machine that compresses gases

More from Merriam-Webster on compressor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compressor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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