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

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

Now a computer science team believes they have discovered a previously unknown sketch of Boleyn by using facial recognition on a famous collection of Tudor portraits.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Stanat said he had been identified as a gifted student and went on to get master’s degrees in computer science and fine art from Oxford University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

He was mediocre in English, social studies, French, and computer science, and well below average in math and science.

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

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