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

Consider how chess evolved after computers became unbeatable at the game. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Inside the West Wing, staff sat in shocked silence, scrolling to see the latest updates of news on their phones and messages on their computer screens. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025

So tech companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to build out the data centers — giant, energy-sucking buildings full of computer servers — to ensure the US has the technical infrastructure to deliver all of the AI magic. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025

But instead of power suits and computer monitors, there was an intimate coziness and undone yet chic comfort to the clothing and the space. —Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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