computer science

American  

noun

1. the science that deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the applications of computers.

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computer science British  

noun

1. the study of computers and their application

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computer science Scientific  

1. The study of the design and operation of computer hardware and software, and of the application of computer technology to science, business, and the arts.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• computer scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of computer science

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Contreras handled a full slate of high school classes, clubs and activities: advanced placement Spanish, computer science, the Associated Student Body and college preparation in her AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, class.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Rastin, who also studies computer science, told AP the end of the outage was "100% a positive thing".

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Jiaming Cui, assistant professor of computer science at Virginia Tech who authored the study, suggested more cases can’t be ruled out.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

"This example is a nice merger of classical geometry, modern plant biology, and computer science."

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

At Garfield High the priority was calculus, where a student’s mastery could potentially lead to an academic scholarship and a career in computer science or engineering.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• artificial intelligence
• computer technology
• data processing
• information technology
• robotics