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

Taiwanese authorities in March investigated three men for trying to smuggle Super Micro computer servers containing advanced Nvidia chips to China. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art (formerly the Computer Museum of America) in Roswell has a huge collection of rare and vintage computers. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Tina Hague, 17, who worked on programming on the robot, hopes to go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and study neuroengineering, or computer engineering and neuroscience. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

With the leading models becoming ever more powerful, their ability to act in malicious ways is turning into a major threat for corporations and governments, especially as the risk involves hacking into critical computer systems and infrastructure. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 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