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.
China’s DeepSeek is working on a custom AI processor, Reuters reported. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 July 2026 Biosensors detect physiological signals and onboard processors convert and filter raw data. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 China’s semiconductor industry is under sustained pressure from US export controls that restrict access to advanced chipmaking tools and high-end AI processors. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 To reduce the environmental impact of their centers, firms including Microsoft and OpenAI have pledged to slash water use, and microchip makers such as Nvidia are designing more energy-efficient processors. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 6 July 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 9 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on processor

Nglish: Translation of processor for Spanish Speakers

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