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

Children who want to access certain websites must now ask their parents for approval across Apple’s various products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers with the Safari browser. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 8 June 2026

Going into the conference, Tao regarded Lean, software that allows mathematical proofs to be written and checked as computer code, as a complicated program that would take months to learn. —Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026

Are bad guys forced to use nondescript phones and computers so as not to sow chaos with a device bearing Apple’s famous logo? —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 June 2026

Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to any person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Giveaway or downloading materials from or use of the website. —AJC.com, 8 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