processor

noun

pro·​ces·​sor ˈprä-ˌse-sər How to pronounce processor (audio)
ˈprō-
1
: one that processes
scrap processor
agricultural processor
2
a(1)
: computer
(2)
: a component of a computer that processes data
specifically : cpu
b
: a computer program (such as a compiler) that puts another program into a form acceptable to the computer
3
: food processor

Examples of processor in a Sentence

the largest seafood processor in the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Google’s Willow chip, a 105-qubit processor, made waves in 2024 by reducing error rates, a critical step toward scalable quantum systems. — Leeor Shimron, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The addition of dual image processors expands the burst rate to 14fps, makes autofocus faster and provides a wider range of shutter speeds. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 June 2025 In the past year, Microsoft unveiled its first quantum chip, Google executives said the technology may only be five years away, Amazon showcased its error-correcting quantum processor and IBM outlined its plan to build a meaningful quantum computer by 2029. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 27 June 2025 The hardware packs a punch too, with a quad-core processor, Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, and smooth 4K HD output. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for processor

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of processor was in 1909

Phrases Containing processor

Rhymes for processor

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Browse Nearby Words

process of Tomes
processor
process philosophy
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Cite this Entry

“Processor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/processor. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

processor

noun
pro·​ces·​sor ˈpräs-ˌes-ər How to pronounce processor (audio)
ˈprōs-
1
: a person or machine that processes
2
: a part of a computer that processes data
especially : cpu

More from Merriam-Webster on processor

Nglish: Translation of processor for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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