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.
This may help resolve years of jurisdictional confusion and open the door for financial institutions, payment processors, and fintech firms to build with confidence. Chris Groshong, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Trump wrote in a social media post on June 5 after a disappointing estimate of May’s private-sector job growth by payroll processor ADP. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 17 June 2025 The company revealed in April that additional curbs had prevented it from selling its H20 processor to Chinese clients. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 12 June 2025 The industry continued to grow until 2020, when a combination of weather and economic conditions dealt setbacks to farmers and processors alike. Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 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 30 Jun. 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

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