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.
Opponents of these warehouse-like complexes, which are filled with energy-hungry computer servers, are racking wins. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 6 July 2026 But now some computer models are predicting this El Niño could be stronger than any other event, back to at least 1950. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Shareholder wealth is too important to delegate to the computer games of intellectual play. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026 More than 30 years ago, researchers discovered that hypothetical computers based on the laws of quantum physics would be able to rapidly solve difficult math problems. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026 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

computed tomography
computer
computerese
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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