Compartment Definition: Meaning, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：separate section (compartment)

compartment 🔊

/kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/

A separate section or small space inside a larger object, like a box, vehicle, or piece of furniture.

Compartment in train: private sleeping section with bed and window

separate section 🔊

➕

/ˈsɛpərɪt ˈsɛkʃən/

A partitioned area within a larger container or vehicle, used for organization or privacy.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'compartiri': com- 'together' + partiri 'to divide' = 'divide into parts'.

💡 Mnemonic

'Com' (together) + 'part' = parts kept together in a separate section.

📖 Example

On the overnight train, our family had a private compartment with bunk beds, which made the long journey much more comfortable. 🔊 On the overnight train, our family had a private compartment with bunk beds, which made the long journey much more comfortable.

🔗 Collocations

storage compartment – A compartment designed for storing items

secret compartment – A hidden compartment in furniture or vehicles

compartment locker – A locker with separate compartments for different items

🔄 Synonyms

section (n.) – A part or division of something larger

partition (n.) – A dividing structure that separates spaces

cubicle (n.) – A small partitioned area, often in an office

🚫 Antonyms

open space (n.) – An area that is not divided into compartments

🌱 Derivatives

compartmentalize (v.) – To divide into separate compartments or sections

compartmentalization (n.) – The act or process of dividing into compartments

compartmented (adj.) – Divided into compartments

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'compartiri', via French 'compartiment'. Originally used for partitioned spaces; in the 19th century, adopted for train carriages with separate sections.