processor

noun

pro·​ces·​sor ˈprä-ˌse-sər 

ˈprō-

1

: one that processes

scrap processor

agricultural processor

2

a(1)

: computer

(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

: food processor

Examples of processor in a Sentence

the largest seafood processor in the country

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite pouring billions into the foundry side of its business, Intel's own processors remain the largest customer at the new fab. —Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

Its 14-inch, 1080p touchscreen is crisp and responsive, powered by an Intel N100 processor that keeps ChromeOS flying. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

But nothing can last forever, and for a few years now, Linux maintainers (including Linus Torvalds) have been pushing to drop kernel support for Intel’s 80486 processor. —Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2026

While Nvidia makes the specialized processors used, initially, for computer graphics and now for AI, Supermicro builds server racks and cooling systems that incorporate the chips. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing processor

• food processor
• word processor

Rhymes for processor

• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• professor
• repressor
• successor

Kids Definition

processor

noun

pro·​ces·​sor ˈpräs-ˌes-ər 

ˈprōs-

1

: a person or machine that processes

2

: a part of a computer that processes data

especially : cpu