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

These data centers are vast warehouses of computer servers and other IT equipment that power cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other tech applications. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

But according to the lawsuit, the USDA gave states only one day to comply, leaving agencies unable to update computer systems, notify recipients, or evaluate the consequences of the changes. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

That hacking campaign used fake emails impersonating Ukrainian officials that sought to fool users into infecting their own computers by clicking on malicious links. —Arkansas Online, 26 Nov. 2025

With 16,896 usable watt-hours of energy—enough to run the air-conditioning for up to 14 hours on battery power alone—the system supports everything from the convection oven to the vehicle’s computer systems, Fusion audio, and 24-inch LED TV. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 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