compartment
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for compartment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A separate section or space within a larger structure, especially a vehicle.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use compartment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from Late Latin compartiri ("to divide up with, to share"), from com- + partiri ("to divide").
Full origin of compartment →Frequently asked questions
What does “compartment” mean?
The word “compartment” means a separate section or space within a larger structure, especially a vehicle. In plain terms, a distinct section within something bigger, like a train car or a storage box.
How do you pronounce “compartment”?
“Compartment” is pronounced kuhm-PAHT-muhnt (/kəmˈpɑɹtmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “compartment” in a sentence?
Here is “compartment” used in a sentence: “They stored their luggage in the overhead compartment.”
What part of speech is “compartment”?
Depending on how it is used, “compartment” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “compartment” come from?
The word “compartment” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from Late Latin compartiri ("to divide up with, to share"), from com- + partiri ("to divide").
Is “compartment” a common word?
“Compartment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “compartment” have?
“Compartment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a separate section or space within a larger structure, especially a vehicle.
What is the difference between a compartment and a container?
A compartment is a separate section within a larger structure, such as a train carriage or a suitcase, and it is not typically freestanding. A container, by contrast, is usually an independent object designed to hold or transport things on its own.
Where is the word compartment most commonly used?
Compartment is often used for vehicles and storage items, such as a train compartment, glove compartment, or the compartments of a tackle box, wallet, or freezer. It always implies a distinct section of something larger rather than a standalone object.
Can compartment be used as a verb?
Yes, compartment can function as a verb meaning to divide something into separate sections, though the related verb compartmentalize is more common in everyday and figurative use, such as compartmentalizing emotions or tasks.