computer

American  

[kuhm-pyoo-ter] / kəmˈpyu tər /

noun

1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.

2. a computer program or algorithm.

   A computer can write a pop tune, but there's no guarantee it will be a hit.

3. a person who computes; computist.

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computer British  

/ kəmˈpjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The analog computer has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers See also digital computer analog computer hybrid computer

   2. ( as modifier )

      computer technology

2. a person who computes or calculates

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computer Scientific  

/ kəm-pyo̅o̅′tər /

1. A programmable machine that performs high-speed processing of numbers, as well as of text, graphics, symbols, and sound. All computers contain a central processing unit that interprets and executes instructions; input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, through which data and commands enter the computer; memory that enables the computer to store programs and data; and output devices, such as printers and display screens, that show the results after the computer has processed data.

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computer Cultural  

1. An electronic device that stores and manipulates information. Unlike a calculator, it is able to store a program and retrieve information from its memory. Most computers today are digital, which means they perform operations with quantities represented electronically as digits.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• noncomputer
  adjective
• computerlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of computer

First recorded in 1640–50; compute + -er ¹; compare Middle French computeur

Explanation

Unless you're living in a cave cut off from humanity, you've seen these electronic machines with a screen, keyboard, and brain that stores massive amounts of information. Computers are ubiquitous in offices, airports, schools...even caves cut off from humanity. Though computers are a thoroughly modern invention, the root word that gave them their name dates all the way back to Roman times. Tech geeks dreamed up computer by embellishing the English word compute, which means "to calculate." Compute, in turn, comes from Latin com-, "with" and putare, "to reckon." So, your computer is a device that helps you reckon — or think. It also comes in handy for email and every type of entertainment imaginable.

Example Sentences

Microsoft launches a new quantum chip, claiming it is 1,000 times more reliable and halving its scalable quantum computer timeline to 2029.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The experimental results matched computer simulations and supported the predictions of the new framework.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

Meta is scaling back its plan to start tracking its employees' computer activity, according to an internal memo sent on Tuesday.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The computer memory manufacturer expects to enter a super-cycle based on AI-infrastructure-led demand and long-term agreements, the analyst notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

I open a translation tool on the computer in front of me.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer