compasses

UK: /ˈkʌmpəsɪz/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•pass /ˈkʌmpəs, ˈkɑm-/   n. [countable]

1. Geography an instrument for determining directions.
2. Surveying Often, compasses. [plural] a V-shaped instrument for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc.
3. space within limits;
   area;
   extent;
   range;
   scope;
   limit:
   the broad compass of the novel.

See -pass-¹.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•pass  (kum′pəs), n. 

1. Geography an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
2. the enclosing line or limits of any area;
   perimeter:
   You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
3. space within limits;
   area;
   extent;
   range;
   scope:
   the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel.
4. Music and Dance Also called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
5. due or proper limits;
   moderate bounds:
   Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
6. a passing round;
   circuit:
   the compass of a year.
7. Often, compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of ):
   to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.
8. Astronomy (cap.)
   • Also called Mariner's Compass. the constellation Pyxis.
   • Compasses, the constellation Circinus.

adj. 

9. curved;
   forming a curve or arc:
   a compass timber; compass roof.

v.t. 

10. to go or move round;
    make the circuit of:
    It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
11. to extend or stretch around;
    hem in;
    surround;
    encircle:
    An old stone wall compasses their property.
12. to attain or achieve;
    accomplish;
    obtain.
13. to contrive;
    plot;
    scheme:
    to compass a treacherous plan.
14. to make curved or circular.
15. to comprehend;
    to grasp, as with the mind:
    His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.

• Old French, derivative of compasser
• Vulgar Latin *compāssāre, equivalent. to compāss(us) equal step (Latin com- com- + pāssus pace¹) + -āre verb, verbal suffix; (noun, nominal) Middle English compas
• Old French compasser to measure
• (verb, verbal) Middle English compassen 1250–1300

com′pass•a•ble, adj. 
com′pass•less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 3. See range.