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 union represents more than 30,000 district employees, including teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, computer techs, custodians and gardeners. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Will County Board member Jacqueline Traynere, of Bolingbrook, was sentenced Tuesday to three months of court supervision and ordered to pay $514 in court fees after she was found guilty last month of two misdemeanor counts of computer tampering. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Some typically reliable computer models, like the European modeling suite, are projecting just such an outcome for this go-around. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

It is also used in manufacturing the semiconductor chips that are needed for computers and phones. —Npr Staff, NPR, 7 Apr. 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