English · Word Candidate

compulsory

/kəmˈpʌlsəɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: compulsories

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Required; obligatory; mandatory.

Adjective

The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Having the power of compulsion; constraining.

Adjective

Such compulsory measures are limited.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Something that is compulsory or required.

Noun

Delobel and Schoenfelder failed to win the free dance, but they had built a big lead in the compulsories and the original dance.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “compulsory” mean?

Required; obligatory; mandatory.

Is “compulsory” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.