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

That’s a useful feature for those of us who like to turn our computers off at night. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

But a quantum computer has yet to solve a useful real-world problem faster than a classical computer could, BofA pointed out. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 July 2025

All ebikes have a computer, which normally sits on the handlebars. —Stephanie Pearson, Wired News, 19 July 2025

The organization has a computer lab for people to use, and Career Resources, Inc. — which is one of its partners — helps people find entry-level jobs. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 19 July 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