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

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Etymology

Origin of computer science

First recorded in 1970–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

computer science

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she studied finance and computer science, and then got a job as an electronic options market maker at the Chicago trading firm DRW.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

Now, in the fall term of 2026, 1,315 students enrolled at Michigan are majoring in computer science — down 48% from the 2023 peak, university data show.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

The big bet colleges made on computer science by hiring faculty and building facilities is now putting them in a bind as they look to pivot amid declining student demand.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Alfozan studied computer science and engineering at MIT.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

He asked the class how many of us were taking computer science, and everybody but me and this one girl who didn’t speak English raised their hands.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

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Related Words

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

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