computer

noun, often attributive com·put·er \ kəm-ˈpyü-tər \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

: one that computes; specifically : a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data

using a computer to design 3-D models

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computerdom

play \kəm-ˈpyü-tər-dəm\ noun

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computerless

play \kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ləs\ adjective

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computerlike

play \kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ˌlīk\ adjective

See computer defined for English-language learners

See computer defined for kids

Examples of computer in a Sentence

He works all day on a computer.

Recent Examples of computer from the Web

As Claire Voon reports for Hyperallergic, the Internet Archive has uploaded emulations of more than 70 handheld games that can now be played on a modern computer.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "The Hottest Place to Play Retro Handheld Computer Games? Try the Internet Archive," 12 Apr. 2018
CEOs with one button on one computer can pay every man and every woman equally.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "James Comey, Elvis Presley, 'SNL': All-shook-up weekend," 12 Apr. 2018
Steven Vincent Smith, 54, pleaded guilty in November to one count of receiving child pornography on a computer between January 2015 and March 2016.

— anna beahm, AL.com, "Former Albertville lawyer sentenced to prison for child porn," 12 Apr. 2018
In 2011, Wausau Paper was struggling because demand for fine-quality paper had declined sharply as Americans relied more on computers to transmit messages and documents.

— glenn kessler, Washington Post, "Did a hedge fund ‘bankrupt’ a Wisconsin town?," 11 Apr. 2018
Louisiana state superintendent John White raised concerns about the shift to tablets last month, noting that few students there had ever taken tests on computer before.

— patrick o'donnell, cleveland.com, "Ohio and Cleveland gain little on "Nation's Report Card," as national scores stay flat," 10 Apr. 2018
Last year marked the first time students took the test on computers.

— author: moriah balingit, Anchorage Daily News, "National math and reading scores remain constant, but disparities emerge," 10 Apr. 2018
Valuers are now traipsing around Kampala, registering properties on tablet computers.

— The Economist, "How African cities can pay for their own upkeep," 5 Apr. 2018
On a computer, click or tap here to start the process.

— marc saltzman, USA TODAY, "Amazon (and Alexa) know a whole lot about you. Here's how download and delete that info.," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'computer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of computer

see compute

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1613

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COMPUTER Defined for English Language Learners

computer

noun

: an electronic machine that can store and work with large amounts of information

COMPUTER Defined for Kids

computer

noun com·put·er \ kəm-ˈpyü-tər \

: an automatic electronic machine that can store and process data

Learn More about computer

See words that rhyme with computer Spanish Central: Translation of computer Nglish: Translation of computer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of computer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about computer

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