processor

noun

pro·​ces·​sor ˈprä-ˌse-sər How to pronounce processor (audio)
ˈprō-
1
: one that processes
scrap processor
agricultural processor
2
a(1)
(2)
: a component of a computer that processes data
specifically : cpu
b
: a computer program (such as a compiler) that puts another program into a form acceptable to the computer
3

Examples of processor in a Sentence

the largest seafood processor in the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, talks about the AMD EPYC processor during a keynote address at the 2019 CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 9, 2019. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 14 May 2025 These fees are typically passed directly to the tenant and are meant to cover transaction costs charged by payment processors. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 Trump would dispense with the peace processor’s shibboleth that a permanent settlement in Gaza and the West Bank was a prerequisite for regional stability. Noah Rothman, National Review, 12 May 2025 To install, your device must have: Windows 10 or higher 4GB RAM, 40GB storage, and a 1GHz or faster processor Secure and modernize your PC without paying full price — Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 until June 1 StackSocial prices subject to change. New Atlas, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for processor

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of processor was in 1909

Cite this Entry

“Processor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/processor. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

processor

noun
pro·​ces·​sor ˈpräs-ˌes-ər How to pronounce processor (audio)
ˈprōs-
1
: a person or machine that processes
2
: a part of a computer that processes data
especially : cpu

More from Merriam-Webster on processor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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