English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

composing

v. · n. · adj.
US /kəmˈpoʊzɪŋ/ UK /kəmpˈəʊzɪŋ/ com·pos·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    v.the act of writing music, a poem, or a formal letter.

    v.the present participle of 'compose', referring to the act of creating a literary or musical work by arranging parts into a whole.

    Simple

    He spent the whole afternoon composing a new song on his piano.

    In context

    While composing the final movement of the symphony, the artist struggled to balance the woodwinds against the dominant brass section.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    n.the process of putting things together in a specific order.

    n.the gerund form used to describe the systematic arrangement of elements, often in art, printing, or formal communication.

    Simple

    Composing a good argument takes time and careful thought.

    In context

    The student found that composing a coherent thesis required more than just research; it demanded a rigorous logical structure.

    disorganising
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    adj.having a relaxing effect that helps you feel calm.

    adj.possessing a quality that induces a state of composure or tranquility in the observer or listener.

    Simple

    The composing sound of the rain helped him fall asleep.

    In context

    She found the composing atmosphere of the library essential for her recovery after a week of high-stress negotiations.

Anthony Hopkins, it turns out, has been composing music all his life.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

You're finally about to head off on a well-earned break, but there's one more task to tick off your to-do list: composing an out-of-office reply.

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated