computer

noun

com·​put·​er kəm-ˈpyü-tər 

often attributive

: one that computes

specifically : a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data

using a computer to design 3-D models

computerdom

kəm-ˈpyü-tər-dəm 

noun

computerless

kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ləs 

adjective

computerlike

kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of computer in a Sentence

He works all day on a computer.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a provider of cybersecurity monitoring for businesses, CrowdStrike issued a system update that failed and crashed computers across the globe. —Glenn Mathis, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Another is a teenager who loves working on computers and small appliances. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025

Along with access to more than 160 locations, Express VPN—which takes about five minutes to set up—also promises lightning-quick connectivity, 24-hour live-chat support and allows users to connect to any device, from computers to phones to tablets. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2025

But as chips and the computer industry got smaller, beer got bigger. —Terence McGinley, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see compute

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing computer

• analog computer
• computer science
• digital computer
• home computer
• hybrid computer
• personal computer
• pre-computer
• quantum computer
• tablet computer

Kids Definition

computer

noun

com·​put·​er -ˈpyüt-ər 

: one that computes

especially : a programmable usually electronic machine that can store, get back again, and work with data