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

In a small, windowless room in San Francisco, rows of computers whir with an intensity that borders on a scream. —Leslie Katz, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Steve Grobman, McAfee’s chief technology officer and executive vice president, said the partnership with Yahoo News grew out of the McAfee’s work on products to help consumers detect deepfakes on their computers. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile, the affordability of computers has improved: Prices are down by 9%. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024

The police and Department of Homeland Security raided their home and seized computers, cellphones and other devices. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024

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