processor

American  

[pros-es-er, proh-ses-] / ˈprɒs ɛs ər, ˈproʊ sɛs- /

Sometimes processer

noun

1. a person or thing that processes.

2. Computers.

   1. a controller, the key component of a computing device that contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute electrical signals fed into the device.

   2. a computer.

3. food processor.

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processor British  

/ ˈprəʊsɛsə /

noun

1. computing another name for central processing unit

2. a person or thing that carries out a process

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processor Scientific  

/ prŏs′ĕs′ər,prō′sĕs′- /

1. A part of a computer, such as the central processing unit, that performs calculations or other manipulations of data.

2. A program that translates another program into a form acceptable by the computer being used.

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Etymology

Origin of processor

First recorded in 1905–10; process + -or ²

Example Sentences

Private-sector job creation was steady in March, payroll processor ADP reported on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Worthington Steel sank 15% after the steel processor reported that its third-quarter profit fell from a year ago as a tough macroeconomic environment weighs on demand.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The largest beef processor in the U.S. by volume is among companies trudging through a nationwide cattle shortage that’s driving up prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Nvidia shares rose Wednesday, despite Arm Holdings entering the artificial-intelligence processor market.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The Owner stuck a tentative finger into the food processor, where his first batch of his mothers peanut butter sat, waiting.

From "A Tangle of Knots" by Lisa Graff