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 boat comes with modern amenities like special laboratory refrigerators to store water samples and computer desks to allow continuous measurements of water quality while conducting water quality sampling. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Fast forward to the semiquincentennial and Americans holler versions of that slogan through windows in real life, just on phones and computers. — Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

The chances that a tropical system could develop off the Atlantic coast — as some long-range computer models suggested last week — continue to fall. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

In such cases, the hospital’s computer system defaults to a birth year of 1900. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 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