quantum computer

noun

: a computer that takes advantage of the quantum properties of qubits to perform certain types of calculation extremely quickly compared to conventional computers

quantum computing noun

A "geek at heart," Samet, 34, is fascinated by quantum computing, a still-emerging field that involves the behavior of subatomic particles in computing.

—Karen Breslau

Examples of quantum computer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Google’s announcement and other company communications have also signaled a new priority on migrating to quantum-safe authentication schemes, lest adversaries use quantum computers in real-time attacks like the one Google demonstrated. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026

Quantum cryptography had grown, as quantum computers went from theoretical ideas to experiments in the real world. —Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026

The plan is to link IBM quantum computers and supercomputers at the University of Illinois in the cloud. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

This story has been updated to reflect that IBM is developing the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. —Samantha Subin,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum computer

• microcomputer
• minicomputer
• supercomputer
• commuter
• polluter
• recruiter
• neuter
• pewter
• router
• scooter
• shooter
• suitor