quantum computer

noun

: a computer that takes advantage of the quantum properties of qubits to perform certain types of calculation extremely quickly compared to conventional computers

quantum computing noun

A "geek at heart," Samet, 34, is fascinated by quantum computing, a still-emerging field that involves the behavior of subatomic particles in computing.

—Karen Breslau

Examples of quantum computer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Specifically, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer running Shor’s algorithm could factor the enormous prime numbers that make RSA encryption secure—not in billions of years, but in hours or days. —Ed Leavens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

China’s Jiuzhang, though, is a highly specialized quantum computer and excels only in specialized tasks such as Gaussian boson sampling. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026

An infrastructure play, not a processor race QTREX isn't trying to build a quantum computer. —William Jones, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Now, a small group of researchers in France and the United States has set out to test an intriguing hypothesis—that the problem can be solved with quantum computers. —Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum computer

• microcomputer
• minicomputer
• supercomputer
• commuter
• polluter
• recruiter
• neuter
• pewter
• router
• scooter
• shooter
• suitor