Computer Definition Computer Definition 1

Computer (noun) — a device with Internet access, using which people can work, watch movies/series, communicate with others, create things, and more. 

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/kəmˈpjuː.tər/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Computer”?

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Tips for “computer” pronunciation: 

Start to spell it with com, then put the u as in the word “food,” and finish with ter clearly.

Level up your English with Koto!

How to Use “Computer” in a Sentence?

Let’s check on the sentences where you can define “computer” and see how people use it in different contexts.

I got a new computer at my job. It is faster!
Fred has to hide his computer when his little brother visits him.
Turning on my work computer on Monday morning is a vibe.
Noah got a gaming computer. He will be playing 24/7.
Robert helped me when my computer didn’t work.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Computer”?

Some related words will help you to make your English more interesting. Let’s check on “computer” synonyms for your vocabulary.

Related nouns: laptop technology

Synonyms (contextual): device desktop

Common collocations: personal computer use a computer computer game

“Computer” Word Formation and Description in Context

Master how you can combine this term with other parts of speech. We prepared the most common of them.

With adjectives: new computer slow computer powerful computer

With verbs: restart a computer play on a computer

With nouns (noun + noun): computer screen computer skills computer class

Idioms and Interesting Phrases with “Computer”

Fun expressions that you can use in daily communication make your English more native. As we are surrounded by computers, you will definitely have a chance to use them.

  • Computer crash — a situation when your desktop stops working.

    I was preparing a presentation for my school project, but a computer crash deleted it.
Computer Idioma Computer Idioma 1
  • Computer glitch — unexpected error.

    I still have a lot on my to-do list because of the computer glitch this morning.

Test Your Knowledge of “Computer” Meaning

We prepared easy activities for you to memorize the word “computer” better.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
A computer is an electronic device.
2
A “desktop” is the synonym for “computer.”
3
You can use a computer to cook an omelet.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these chaotic words in order:
1
on
games
He
computer
plays
his
2
computer,
the
Turn
please
on
3
a
She
new
needs
computer
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
The monitor says, “Restart your computer.” It means that you have to…
2
The work stopped because of the computer crash. What is a “computer crash”?
3
Steve is working from home on his computer. What can we call this computer?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Computer” Word in Other Languages

If you have ever wondered how to spell “computer” in languages other than English and see how they differ, this part is for you.

Language Word for “Computer”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Ordenador
Flag French French   Ordinateur
Flag German German   Computer

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Computer”

Discover what facts the “computer” word hides behind it. They will help you to learn more about the world around you and memorize the term.

  • Frontier” is the name of the fastest computer we have today.

    Frontier is capable of performing over a quintillion calculations per second! That is a 1 followed by 18 zeros. A regular laptop would take 42 days to do what Frontier can do within 1 second!
  • SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) is the largest computer.

    The biggest computer ever made was the SAGE system in 1950-60. It weighed 250 tons (that’s the weight of about 50 elephants!) and took up 20,000 square feet. Guess how much it cost? Around 8 billion dollars! Not the one you can install in your house.
  • “Computer” used to refer to people, not machines!

    The term initially designated people (usually women) who worked with numbers and solved mathematical problems. The first mechanistic use of the word ‘computer’ dates back to 1897.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Computer”

Get inspired by what famous people have said about computers!

“A computer is like a violin. You can imagine it making beautiful music, but you have to learn how to play it.”

Bill Gates

Explanation: Bill Gates compares a computer to a musical instrument; in both cases, practice is required in order to make the beautiful sounds. In the same way, computers necessitate learning.

“Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all.”

— John F. Kennedy

Explanation: Even though computers are wonderful tools, it is the human brain, Kennedy recalls, that is the most incredible thing we have at our disposal.

“Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.”

Joseph Campbell

Explanation: This hilarious quotation declares computers to be sticklers for rules. If you make the smallest of mistakes, the computer will not accept it, and it must show an error!