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

The center offers career counseling, resume preparation assistance, advise for interviewing, classes to learn computers programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word and help creating a LinkedIn profile, Portlock said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Congo is a major supplier of coltan, a metallic ore that contains the rare metal tantalum, a key component in the production of smartphones, computers and aircraft engines. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

At the time, Wayne was an engineer at Atari when Jobs recruited him to help persuade Wozniak to take the leap and build a computer company. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

Promised the workforce Every technology revolution in history — steam, electricity, computers, the internet — has promised the workforce more free time. —Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

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