adjective
Common
composite
KOM-puh-ziht
Composite (adjective) means Made up of several distinct parts combined together. Example: “The poster is a composite image made from several different photographs.”
adjective
1
Made up of several distinct parts combined together.
"The poster is a composite image made from several different photographs."
"The report is a composite of data from three separate surveys."
"The bike frame is made of a lightweight composite material."
2
(mathematics) Of a number, able to be divided evenly by a whole number other than itself and 1.
"Nine is a composite number, since three goes into it exactly."
"The teacher asked us to list every composite number below twenty."
"Twelve is a composite number because it can be divided by 2, 3, 4, and 6."
verb
1
To combine multiple images or elements into a single one.
"She composited three separate photographs into one panoramic landscape."
"The editor will composite the title text over the footage tomorrow."
"The visual effects team composited the actor into the digital background."
How to use composite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMade of several parts blended into one, or (in maths) a number divisible by more than just itself and 1.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
composite material
composite image
composite number
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like composite.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- composites
- Past tense
- composited
- Comparative
- more composite
- Superlative
- most composite
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The poster is a _____ image made from several different photographs.
Etymology
From Latin compositus, "put together," the past participle of componere. A doublet of "compost" and "compote," which come from the same Latin root.
Related words
Rhymes for composite
See all rhymes for composite →Frequently asked questions
What does “composite” mean?
The word “composite” means made up of several distinct parts combined together. In plain terms, made of several parts blended into one, or (in maths) a number divisible by more than just itself and 1.
How do you pronounce “composite”?
“Composite” is pronounced KOM-puh-ziht (/kəmˈpɑzɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “composite” in a sentence?
Here is “composite” used in a sentence: “The report is a composite of data from three separate surveys.”
What part of speech is “composite”?
Depending on how it is used, “composite” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “composite” come from?
The word “composite” comes from Latin. From Latin compositus, "put together," the past participle of componere. A doublet of "compost" and "compote," which come from the same Latin root.
Is “composite” a common word?
“Composite” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “composite” have?
“Composite” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made up of several distinct parts combined together.
What is the difference between a composite number and a prime number?
A composite number can be divided evenly by a whole number other than itself and 1, meaning it has factors beyond those two. A prime number can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. For example, 6 is composite because it divides by 2 and 3, while 7 is prime.
Is the number 1 a composite number?
No, 1 is not a composite number, because a composite number must be divisible evenly by a whole number other than itself and 1. The number 1 has no such divisor, so it is classed as neither composite nor prime.
What is the difference between 'composite' and 'complex'?
'Composite' describes something made up of several distinct parts combined together, stressing that separate elements have been joined. 'Complex' stresses intricacy and interconnection rather than simply that parts were combined. Something can be composite without being complicated.
What are common collocations with 'composite'?
'Composite' often pairs with nouns such as 'composite material', 'composite image', 'composite number', and 'composite sketch'. In each case it signals that the thing is assembled from separate components.
