computer

noun

com·​put·​er kəm-ˈpyü-tər How to pronounce computer (audio)
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 noun
computerless adjective
computerlike adjective

Examples of computer in a Sentence

He works all day on a computer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for computer

Word History

Etymology

see compute

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of computer was in 1613

Cite this Entry

“Computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computer. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

computer

noun
com·​put·​er -ˈpyüt-ər How to pronounce computer (audio)
: one that computes
especially : a programmable usually electronic machine that can store, get back again, and work with data

More from Merriam-Webster on computer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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