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

In recent weeks, a number of states have been winning multibillion-dollar settlements from the computer geeks. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Growing tensions China has been pushing for the EU to stop blocking Chinese imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines, restrictions imposed on national security grounds at Washington’s behest. — Sam McNeil, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

In 1997, Steffen Wernéry, who was part of a German hacker group known for getting into NASA’s computer system in the eighties, started the first official locksport group. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Quantum computers may one day tackle problems that overwhelm conventional machines, but getting enough quantum bits to work together remains a major challenge. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 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