computer science

noun

: a branch of science that deals with the theory of computation or the design of computers

Examples of computer science in a Sentence

She has a degree in computer science.
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.
The papers span mathematics, theoretical computer science, physics, and more. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 Some researchers in math and theoretical computer science have responded to the rapid advances in AI capabilities by adopting AI tools for their own research. — Quanta Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026 Just as computer science draws on cognitive science’s questions and methods, cognitive science draws on the accessibility of AI models themselves, using them to test and refine theories of the mind. — Arryn Robbins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 An Oscar nominee for Anora, Borisov delivers another knockout performance as Sutskever, a Russian immigrant, computer science prodigy, and, eventually, the morally conflicted cofounder of OpenAI. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for computer science

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of computer science was in 1955

Rhymes for computer science

See All Rhymes for computer science

Browse Nearby Words

computerphobe
computer science
computing machine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Computer science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computer%20science. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

computer science

noun
: a branch of science that deals with the theory of computing or the design of computers
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All