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

But the core is too distant to measure directly, so researchers have to rely on computer simulations and high-temperature laboratory experiments that squeeze tiny amounts of various elements in diamond anvil cells under the temperatures and pressures of the center of Earth. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026

On a desktop computer, Betty and Patricia, both in their 60s, were updating Wikipedia pages on Black Londoners. —Imogen West-Knights, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026

Guests are encouraged to take a laptop computer to the second workshop. —La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Those are words uttered by two different high school soccer coaches describing the Southern Section playoff pairings produced using a computer algorithm under the competitive equity system. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 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