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.
Future satellites could replace onboard processors with newer chips from different suppliers without redesigning the entire spacecraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Inside the Titan 2 Elite is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor, a step up from the Titan 2's MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 Prescribers must submit a beneficiary’s prescription and prior authorization request directly to Bridge’s central processor managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rather than the recipient’s drug plan. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Apple has been struggling to secure enough computer processors and counter fast-rising memory costs, a situation that forced the company to raise prices on Macs and iPads last month. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 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

See All Rhymes for processor

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 6 Aug. 2026.

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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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