# component

/kəmˈpoʊnənt/ (US) · /kəmpˈəʊnənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/component
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a part of a machine or system

noun · CEFR B2 · General-service

one of the individual parts that makes up a machine or a piece of equipment.

For teachers: a physical part of a mechanical or electronic device, often manufactured as a discrete unit.

- The technician replaced a broken component in the computer's cooling system.
- The manufacturer sources high-quality electronic components from several different suppliers to ensure the final product meets safety standards.

### 2. a part of an idea or plan

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a part of a larger plan, idea, or situation.

For teachers: a constituent element of a conceptual whole, such as a strategy, curriculum, or chemical mixture.

- Regular exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
- The research team identified three key components of the economic crisis that had been overlooked by previous analysts.

### 3. forming a whole

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

describing the parts that make up a larger thing.

For teachers: serving as one of the parts of a whole; non-gradable and typically used before a noun.

- The scientist broke the substance down into its component parts.
- By examining the component elements of the alloy, the engineers were able to determine why the structure failed under pressure.

Usage: Always used before a noun.

## Examples

- The engine is a vital component of the car.
- Engineers spent weeks testing every electronic component to ensure the satellite would survive the launch.
- Trust is a fundamental component of any successful partnership, serving as the foundation upon which all other collaborative efforts are built.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.