mainframe

American  

[meyn-freym] / ˈmeɪnˌfreɪm /

noun

Computers.

1. a large computer, often the hub of a system serving many users.

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mainframe British  

/ ˈmeɪnˌfreɪm /

noun

1. 1. a high-speed general-purpose computer, usually with a large storage capacity

   2. ( as modifier )

      mainframe systems

2. the central processing unit of a computer

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mainframe Scientific  

/ mān′frām′ /

1. A large, often powerful computer, usually dedicated to lengthy, complex calculations or set up for use by many people simultaneously.

2. Compare personal computer

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mainframe Cultural  

1. A large, powerful computer system. A mainframe computer typically carries out complex calculations and is shared by many users. (Compare personal computer.)

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Etymology

Origin of mainframe

First recorded in 1960–65; main ¹ + frame

Compare meaning

How does mainframe compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mainframe vs. supercomputer

Example Sentences

That makes it unlikely that customers will move away from using its mainframes toward decentralized platforms—a potential shift known as mainframe disintermediation—over the next several years.

From Barron's

In his view, although alternatives have been available for decades, clients are sticking with mainframe for a host of reasons: reliability and speed advantages, better cost efficiency at scale, and security such as quantum-safe encryption.

From Barron's

“The idea of shifting off of mainframe is not a new concept,” he said in a note to clients.

From MarketWatch

The company wrote a blog post detailing how its Claude Code tool can modernize COBOL—computer programming language used on IBM mainframes.

From Barron's

She went to her computer and wrote some code, walked a set of punch cards to the mainframe in another building, and waited while it slugged through the calculations.

From Literature

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer