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

Print those codes and store them somewhere safe (ideally in a safe, but definitely in a separate location to your computer). —Barry Collins, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

In a standard computer, there's really only one type of error to worry about: a bit that no longer holds the value it was set to. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

There was one that had a computer, which was like a big deal. —Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 26 Feb. 2025

Manufactured by Intuitive Machines, the hopper is named Grace after Grace Hopper, a pioneer in mathematics and programming who worked on some of the earliest computers. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 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

Rhymes for computer

• commuter
• polluter
• recruiter
• microcomputer
• minicomputer
• supercomputer
• neuter
• pewter
• router
• scooter
• shooter
• suitor

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