ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compartment

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəmˈpɑɹtmənt// UK //kəmpˈɑːtmənt// com·part·ment

n. a separate section or part of a larger space, like a drawer in a desk or a box in a bag. You use it to keep things organized and easy to find.

n. a separate section or partitioned space within a larger structure or container. Often used to describe storage areas in vehicles, luggage, or furniture.


SIMPLE

The overhead compartment is full of bags.

CONTEXTUAL

I keep my passport in a hidden compartment inside my backpack for extra security while traveling.

COMPLEX

The engineer designed the aircraft with a reinforced cargo compartment to ensure that the structural integrity remained intact even under extreme pressure changes during the flight.

Origin

First attested 1564, from Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from Late Latin compartiri (“to divide with, to share with”), from com- + partiri (“to apportion, to divide, to share”).

Usage

Often paired with 'overhead', 'glove', or 'hidden'.

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