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)
: 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
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.
The previous version ran on the A17 Pro chip, and the new model now runs on the hottest Apple mobile processor, the A20 Pro. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 Billions of these components now operate inside the processors and memory chips used throughout modern life. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 Unlike traditional processors, Cerebras' chip packs enormous computing power and bandwidth onto a single piece of silicon. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Briggs looked at 25 jobs hit hard by past technology, including photo processors, movie projectionists, proofreaders, file clerks, and bank tellers. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing processor

Rhymes for processor

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Browse Nearby Words

process of Tomes
processor
process philosophy
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Cite this Entry

“Processor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/processor. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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