noun
Uncommon
compartment
kuhm-PAHT-muhnt
Compartment (noun) means a separate section or space within a larger structure, especially a vehicle. Example: “They stored their luggage in the overhead compartment.”
noun
1
A separate section or space within a larger structure, especially a vehicle.
"They stored their luggage in the overhead compartment."
"The train had six compartments, each seating eight passengers."
"Keep your passport in the zipped compartment of your bag."
verb
1
To divide something into separate sections.
"The old desk was compartmented into small drawers for pens and papers."
"The designer compartmented the large cupboard into shelves for shoes and bags."
"They compartmented the garage so that tools and bikes each had their own space."
How to use compartment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA distinct section within something bigger, like a train car or a storage box.
Common pairings
storage compartment
glove compartment
separate compartments
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Word forms
- Plural
- compartments
- Third person singular
- compartments
- Past tense
- compartmented
Fill the gap
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They stored their luggage in the overhead _____.
Etymology
From Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from Late Latin compartiri ("to divide up with, to share"), from com- + partiri ("to divide").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for compartment
See all rhymes for 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.
