1. plural of compass; instruments with two legs used for drawing circles and arcs, or for measuring distances on maps
Usage: typically used in pairs or as a set
2. plural of compass; devices that show direction using a magnetic needle pointing north
Usage: navigation tool
3. plural of compass; the range or scope of something
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The geometry student used compasses to draw perfect circles on her worksheet.
• The explorers relied on their compasses to navigate through the dense forest.
• The project's compasses were too broad, so the team narrowed their focus.
• She bought a new set of compasses for her drafting class.
• The ship's compasses all pointed toward magnetic north.
• Within the compasses of the law, citizens have certain freedoms.