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 clocks in your computer, your phone and your newer cars change automatically. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

The necessary computer that comes with it is another $12,000. — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

To kill all humans, a superintelligent AI would need to take over and migrate between computer systems. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

And there, Guadagnino says, gesturing to a section covered by a red tarp, is where his team built the men’s bathrooms where some computer scientists have a pissing contest. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see compute entry 1

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing computer

• analog computer
• computer science
• digital computer
• home computer
• hybrid computer
• laptop 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