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

• computer scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of computer science

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

"I feel optimistic about AI," said the graduating computer science and AI major.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

This was considered among the most important unsolved problems in combinatorics, a prominent branch of math and computer science dealing with finite objects and arrangements.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2026

Next on the list were the California Institute of Technology and Harvard University, with each having slightly more than 8% of its 2025 computer science class becoming founders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

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

Evan and Hari fist-bumped, and Evan said, “Bro, that was epic. That wing your parents donated to the computer science department must be something else.”

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

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