noun
Uncommon
compass
KUHM-puhs
Compass (noun) means a device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north. Example: “She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north.”
noun
1
A device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north.
"She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north."
"Old sailing ships relied on a compass to navigate open water."
"When the mist came down on the hill, the walkers steered by their compass."
2
A hinged drawing tool with two arms, used to draw circles or measure distances on a map or diagram.
"He used a compass to draw a perfect circle for the diagram."
"Our maths teacher asked us to bring a ruler and a compass to the next lesson."
"Place the point of the compass on the dot and turn it slowly."
3
The overall range or scope of something, such as a voice or a set of abilities.
"The topic was beyond the compass of a single lecture."
"The singer's voice had a wide compass, reaching both very low and very high notes."
"Questions about the budget fall outside the compass of this committee."
verb
1
To surround or encircle something completely.
"Thick forest compassed the old cabin on every side."
"A low stone wall compassed the garden and kept the sheep out."
"Mountains compass the valley, so the village is sheltered from the wind."
How to use compass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often the handheld device that points north, but it can also mean the range or limits of something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "campus" (a school's grounds) — they look similar in print but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
magnetic compass
moral compass
compass point
compass and map
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Word forms
- Plural
- compasses
- Third person singular
- compasses
- Past tense
- compassed
- Comparative
- more compass
- Superlative
- most compass
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She checked her _____ to make sure the trail was heading north.
Etymology
From Old French compas, ultimately from Latin com- ("together") plus passus ("a step" or "pace") — the same root behind "pace" and "pass."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for compass
See all rhymes for compass →Frequently asked questions
What does “compass” mean?
The word “compass” means a device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north. In plain terms, most often the handheld device that points north, but it can also mean the range or limits of something.
How do you pronounce “compass”?
“Compass” is pronounced KUHM-puhs (/ˈkʌmpəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “compass” in a sentence?
Here is “compass” used in a sentence: “She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north.”
What is another word for “compass”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compass” include pair of compasses.
What part of speech is “compass”?
Depending on how it is used, “compass” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “compass” come from?
The word “compass” comes from Latin. From Old French compas, ultimately from Latin com- ("together") plus passus ("a step" or "pace") — the same root behind "pace" and "pass.".
Is “compass” a common word?
“Compass” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “compass” have?
“Compass” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north.
What is the difference between a compass and GPS?
A compass is a device with a magnetic needle, or an electronic equivalent, that points toward north to show direction, working without any satellite or power connection in its traditional form. GPS instead uses satellite signals to pinpoint exact location and does not rely on magnetism, making it more precise but dependent on signal and battery power.
What is a compass used for in geometry or drawing?
In drawing and geometry, a compass is a hinged tool with two arms used to draw circles or measure distances on a map or diagram, distinct from the magnetic navigation device of the same name. This tool is sometimes called a "pair of compasses."
What does compass mean when describing a voice or range of abilities?
Used figuratively, compass refers to the overall range or scope of something, such as the compass of a singer's voice or the compass of someone's knowledge, describing its full extent rather than a physical instrument.
Can compass be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb, to compass means to surround or encircle something completely, a somewhat literary or formal usage distinct from the noun senses describing the navigational or drawing tool.
