English Reference
noun

processing

n.
US /ˈpɹɑsɛsɪŋ/ pro·cess·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    the way a computer handles, changes, or saves information.

    the automated manipulation of data by a computer, including retrieval, transformation, and storage.

    Simple

    The new laptop has a much faster speed for video processing.

    In context

    Cloud-based processing allows the company to analyse massive datasets without investing in expensive local hardware.

    Usage

    Often used in the compound 'data processing'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of dealing with official documents or requests in a specific order.

    the systematic handling of applications, documents, or transactions through a series of administrative stages.

    Simple

    The processing of your visa application will take about two weeks.

    In context

    The bank streamlined its loan processing to ensure that small business owners received a decision within forty-eight hours.

    Usage

    Commonly used regarding visas, loans, or applications.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the treatment of raw materials or food to change them or make them last longer.

    the industrial treatment of raw materials or food products to alter their state or preserve them.

    Simple

    Heavy processing can remove many of the natural vitamins from food.

    In context

    The facility specialises in the chemical processing of raw timber into high-quality paper pulp for the publishing industry.

    Usage

    Often appears in the phrase 'food processing'.

Usage data processing · food processing · information processing

Brain scans show that happy human faces activate regions in dogs linked to higher-level processing and reward, suggesting that smiles carry special emotional significance for them.

ScienceDaily· 11 Aug 2026

Teens who start using cannabis may experience slower growth in memory, attention, language, and processing speed.

ScienceDaily· 8 Aug 2026

By surface analysis, process + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated