computer

noun

com·​put·​er kəm-ˈpyü-tər 

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 

noun

computerless

kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ləs 

adjective

computerlike

kəm-ˈpyü-tər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of computer in a Sentence

He works all day on a computer.

Recent Examples on the Web

The National Association of Colleges and Employers analyzed the starting salaries for the class of 2022 and found that those who had a master’s degree in computer and information sciences enjoyed an average starting salary of $105,894. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2024

That said, some people enjoy stepping out from behind a computer or phone screen to take in the holiday atmosphere and music at a local mall or shopping area. —Associated Press, TIME, 28 Nov. 2024

Any home office can benefit from this space-saving bookshelf, as well as a popular ergonomic computer chair. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Adobe offers predictions for online shopping specifically: Thanksgiving Day could have the biggest discounts for toys, sporting goods, furniture and appliances; Black Friday for TVs; Saturday for computers; Cyber Monday for electronics and clothes. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see compute

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing computer

• analog computer
• computer science
• digital computer
• home computer
• hybrid computer
• personal computer
• pre-computer
• quantum computer
• tablet computer

Kids Definition

computer

noun

com·​put·​er -ˈpyüt-ər 

: one that computes

especially : a programmable usually electronic machine that can store, get back again, and work with data