compass
Computer-generated voice, not a recording. It may differ from the pronunciation guide.
In short
A compass is a direction-finding instrument. The word can also name a tool for drawing circles, while a moral compass is a person's guiding sense of right and wrong.
What does compass mean?
Two different instruments
A direction-finding compass helps identify a direction. A magnetic compass uses a needle that points toward magnetic north; other kinds of direction-finding compass also exist.
A drawing compass has two movable legs joined at the top. It can draw circles or transfer measurements.
A drawing compass helps make precise circles on paper; a kaleidoscope instead uses mirrors to produce changing symmetrical patterns. Both involve geometry, but they do very different jobs.
Compass or a pair of compasses?
The drawing tool is often called compasses or a pair of compasses. Singular compass is also used, including in American English.
Compasses is also the ordinary plural for several direction-finding instruments. The spelling alone does not settle which tool is meant.
What is a moral compass?
It is a figurative guide to what a person considers right and wrong. It describes guidance for decisions, rather than an instrument.
The expression does not guarantee that everyone will agree with the person’s judgments.
Compass meaning range or scope
In formal usage, compass can mean an extent or range. Beyond the compass of a study means outside its scope. In music, the word can also describe the range of notes of a voice or instrument.
Where does it come from?
Compass came through French words associated with measuring and going around, ultimately connected with pacing out a distance. The precise reason the direction-finding instrument acquired the name is not certain.
How to use it in a sentence
“The hikers checked their compass before leaving the trail.”
“She used a pair of compasses to draw a neat circle.”
“His moral compass guided him to return the lost money.”
“The question falls beyond the compass of this short study.”
Sources and updates
- compass, Cambridge Dictionary. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Compass Definition & Meaning, Merriam-Webster. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Compass - Etymology, Origin & Meaning, Online Etymology Dictionary. Checked November 2, 2026.
Definitions and examples are written in our own words from the sources above. Published .