incompressible

adjective

in·​com·​press·​ible ˌin-kəm-ˈpre-sə-bəl How to pronounce incompressible (audio)
: incapable of or resistant to compression

Examples of incompressible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because the fluid is incompressible, the movement of the larger cylinder must match that of the smaller one. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022 Thanks to being an incompressible medium, water transmits vibrations both farther and faster than the air. — Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025 Most hydraulic equipment uses some sort of incompressible fluid to help create optimal force. — Stephanie Toone, ajc, 23 Feb. 2021 But incompressible fluids such as water bring extra complications. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 June 2026 The compression of knowledge into transferable principles turns out to be the key to generating the incompressible richness of reality itself. — Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 At conventional aircraft speeds, air density remains relatively constant, a phenomenon known as incompressible flow. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompressible was circa 1736

Rhymes for incompressible

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Browse Nearby Words

incompressibility
incompressible
incompt
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Cite this Entry

“Incompressible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompressible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incompressible

adjective
in·​com·​press·​ible ˌin-kəm-ˈpres-ə-bəl How to pronounce incompressible (audio)
: impossible or difficult to compress
incompressibility
-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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