Definition of: commute

(kə·myt′) v. ·mut·ed, ·mut·ing v.t.
1. To exchange reciprocally for something else.
2. To exchange for something less severe: to commute a sentence, debt, or payment.
3. To pay in gross at a reduced rate, as an annuity or railroad fare, instead of in successive payments.
4. Electr. To commutate.
—v.i.
5. Archaic To serve as or be a substitute.
6. To pay a railroad fare, etc., in gross at a reduced rate.
7. To use a commutation ticket; specifically, to make daily or regular trips to and from work. See synonyms under CHANGE.
—noun U.S. Colloq. A commuter's trip, or its duration or distance: a two–hour commute. [<L commutare.
See COMMUTATION.]
—com·mut′a·ble adjective
—com·mut′a·ble·ness, com·mut′a·bil′i·ty noun