# computer

/kəmˈpjutɝ/ (US) · /kəmpjˈuːtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/computer
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. electronic device

noun · CEFR A1

an electronic machine that you use for work, games, or the internet.

For teachers: a programmable electronic device that processes, stores, and retrieves data.

- I use my computer every day to send emails and watch videos.
- Modern computers are capable of processing billions of operations per second, enabling complex simulations and high-speed data analysis.

Usage: Usually a countable noun; can be used as a modifier in phrases like 'computer programmer' or 'computer screen'.

### 2. a person who calculates

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a person whose job was to do long and difficult math problems before machines were invented.

For teachers: a person employed to perform complex mathematical calculations manually.

- In the past, a computer was a person who spent all day doing math.
- Before the advent of digital technology, the observatory employed dozens of human computers to map the trajectories of the stars.

Teaching tip: This sense is historical; learners will mostly encounter it in books or films about the history of science, such as 'Hidden Figures'.

## Examples

- I use my computer to send emails every day.
- The office upgraded every computer to ensure the staff could run the latest design software without any lag.
- While early models occupied entire rooms, the modern computer has become an ubiquitous tool integrated into almost every aspect of professional and personal life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.