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

“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka,” James told reporters.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

There is a perception that IBM’s mainframe business could be threatened by AI.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

In February, IBM stock posted its worst decline in 25 years—tumbling sharply on news that Anthropic had released AI tools that could help with modernizing Cobol, a programming language mainly run on IBM mainframe computers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

In one seven-month period in 1971, Gates and his cohorts ran up 1,575 hours of computer time on the ISI mainframe, which averages out to eight hours a day, seven days a week.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer