computer

noun

com·​put·​er kəm-ˈpyü-tər How to pronounce computer (audio)
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 How to pronounce computer (audio)
noun
computerless
kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ləs How to pronounce computer (audio)
adjective
computerlike
kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ˌlīk How to pronounce computer (audio)
adjective

Examples of computer in a Sentence

He works all day on a computer.
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.
These are distinctions with meaningful differences: Smartphones are full-on computers in the pocket, tempting kids with nonstop streams of posts and videos and music and so much more, including instant access to AI bots that make cheating that much easier. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025 Many people at the top of an organization don’t know all the information available both in their own computers and through publicly-available databases. — Bill Conerly, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 But even if computers are [unprintable expletives], their problems have often been encountered and fixed by some other poor soul. — Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025 The 17-year-old, who goes by Chris, has a knack for electronic systems and computers. — The Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for computer

Word History

Etymology

see compute

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of computer was in 1613

Phrases Containing computer

Rhymes for computer

See All Rhymes for computer

Browse Nearby Words

computer
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Cite this Entry

“Computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computer. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

computer

noun
com·​put·​er -ˈpyüt-ər How to pronounce computer (audio)
: one that computes
especially : a programmable usually electronic machine that can store, get back again, and work with data

More from Merriam-Webster on computer

Nglish: Translation of computer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about computer

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