comprise Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb be composed of
    consist.
    • The land he conquered comprised several provinces
    • What does this dish consist of?
  2. verb include or contain; have as a component
    incorporate; contain.
    • A totally new idea is comprised in this paper
    • The record contains many old songs from the 1930's
  3. verb form or compose
    constitute; represent; be; make up.
    • This money is my only income
    • The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance
    • These constitute my entire belonging
    • The children made up the chorus
    • This sum represents my entire income for a year
    • These few men comprise his entire army

WordNet


Com*prise" transitive verb
Etymology
From F. compris, comprise, p. p. of comprendre, L. comprehendere. See Comprehend.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Comprised ; present participle & verbal noun Comprising
Definitions
  1. To comprehend; to include.
    Comprise much matter in few words. Hocker.
    Friendship does two souls in one comprise. Roscommon.
    Syn. -- To embrace; include; comprehend; contain; encircle; inclose; involve; imply.

Webster 1913