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

The analyst said investors might dispute his call, given concern that Anthropic’s Claude Code tool will disrupt IBM’s mainframe business.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

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 • Feb. 25, 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

The dynamic forces behind this era of globalization were breakthroughs in hardware—from steamships and railroads in the beginning to telephones and mainframe computers toward the end.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer