compass

Examples

• All

• A compass, I learned when I was surveying, it'II point you true north from where you're standing.

  Lincoln (2012)

• Because of the magnet, the compass is not moving.

• A map is good, A compass is better.

  Gregory B. Sadler - That Philosophy Guy

• If you need a compass, get a compass.

  Late Night with Seth Meyers

• This is where the compass leads.

  Livescreamers (2023)

• All I need is a compass to confirm that.

  Saltwater: The Battle for Ramree Island (2021)

• The scoutmaster instructed us to read our compass and find our way back to the camp.

  Fiction book (1990)

• "How could anybody get lost with a compass?" asked a senior scout at a marshmallow roast that night.

  Fiction book (1990)

• It has a compass on it, so you'll never lose your way.

  Lost at Christmas (2020)

• To navigate through the dense forest, I relied on my compass to find the right path.

Synonyms

M

magnetic compass

vscompass

1 3.1

A tool with a needle that points toward the Earth's magnetic north to show direction

is the general name used for that instrument rather than the specific label

G

gyrocompass

vscompass

• Specialized

1 8.8

A compass that shows true north using a fast spinning wheel inside

is the instrument that typically uses a needle that points to magnetic north

N

navigational instrument

vscompass

• Specialized

1 4.1

A tool that shows you direction or position to help you find your way, for example a compass

is a specific kind of device that usually uses a needle to show north

M

mariner's compass

vscompass

6.3

A tool on a ship that shows direction by a needle pointing north

is the general instrument used broadly, not only the one used aboard ships

R

radio compass

vscompass

• Specialized

6.5

A device that shows direction by receiving radio signals

finds direction by using a needle that points toward north not by detecting signals

Idioms

B

to box the compass

• Archaic

9.9

To say all the compass points in order and name every direction

Compounds

C

compass point

1 3.6

A direction that a compass shows, like north or northeast

M

magnetic compass

1 3.1

A tool with a needle that points toward the Earth's magnetic north to show direction

C

cardinal compass point

2.5

One of the four main directions on a compass: north, east, south, or west

C

compass card

• Specialized

6.7

A round disc on a compass that turns so its north mark points to magnetic north

C

compass flower

• Specialized

9.9

A plant whose leaves point north and south

C

compass north

• Specialized

3.5

The direction the north end of a magnetic needle points toward on Earth

C

compass plane

• Specialized

9.9

A hand tool with a flexible bottom for smoothing inside and outside curves in wood

C

compass plant

• Specialized

9.9

A North American prairie plant with long leaves that point north and south and bright red flowers

C

compass saw

• Specialized

7.9

A small tool with a long, narrow, pointed blade for cutting tight curves in wood

M

mariner's compass

6.3

A tool on a ship that shows direction by a needle pointing north

R

radio compass

• Specialized

6.5

A device that shows direction by receiving radio signals

How Accurate

gyrocompass

• Specialized

1 8.8

compass

62 1.6

Surface Forms

Etymology