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

O’Dell would like to see some human element involved instead of a computer doing all of the evaluation because coaches have insights that a computer lacks. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025

There are tables, desktop computers and laptops. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

The drone can carry warheads weighing up to 88 pounds (40 kilograms) and uses Auterion’s Skynode N mission computer and Visual Navigation system for precise navigation and targeting. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

Nielsen’s streaming ratings cover viewing on TV sets only and don’t include minutes watched on computers or mobile devices. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

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