computer

American  

[kuhm-pyoo-ter] / kəmˈpju tər /

noun

• computers
  plural

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

• computerlike
  adjective
• noncomputer
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• computers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of computer

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

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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

See Examples For:

computer computers

But if the hypothesis is false, it could render decades of research in theoretical computer science irrelevant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

Lowenthal said earlier this year he was inspired to seek more safeguards for social media users, citing the anxiety and depression among children who grew up with access to cellphones, tablets and computer screens.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026

Although significant development is still needed before these materials can be widely used, the findings establish a stronger experimental foundation for future work on quantum technologies, computer memory, and more efficient data centers.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026

In cyber-security, a "honeypot" is a digital decoy - such as a fake computer network or file - deliberately set up to look like a vulnerable target to lure and trap hackers.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

She checked her e-mail, even though she knew he didn’t have a computer on his boat.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

Najee Ali, another prominent South L.A. activist, said Wednesday that police seized computers from 2nd Call’s offices.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026

The hackers—whose identities and motives remain unknown—had found a way to take control of internet-based computers that supermarket chains and refrigeration firms use to oversee the systems, cybersecurity researchers said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026

Intel’s outlook for the December quarter came in below Wall Street’s expectations, partly due to its struggles against a tough market for personal computers.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026

When the onboard computers recognize a potential problem with active equipment, they can switch to backup hardware, place the spacecraft into a stable configuration, and suspend normal activities.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026

So were Erma and the other Colored computers who occasionally worked with me in that department.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer

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