supercomputer

noun

su·​per·​com·​put·​er ˈsü-pər-kəm-ˌpyü-tər How to pronounce supercomputer (audio)
: a large very fast mainframe used especially for scientific computations

Examples of supercomputer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While supercomputers—most famously IBM’s Deep Blue—have long surpassed the world’s best human chess players, generative AI still lags behind due to their underlying programming parameters. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025 Andy Naylor Who else could qualify? Other than the nine sides above, the Opta supercomputer gives three other sides a (slim) chance of finishing in the top five. James Pearce, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 Quantum computers could perform calculations far faster than the most advanced supercomputers, spawning breakthroughs in everything from lifesaving pharmaceuticals to climate change mitigation. Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 The 20-qubit quantum machine has been integrated into Fugaku, the sixth-fastest supercomputer in the world. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supercomputer

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supercomputer was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Supercomputer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supercomputer. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

supercomputer

noun
su·​per·​com·​put·​er ˈsü-pər-kəm-ˌpyüt-ər How to pronounce supercomputer (audio)
: a large very fast mainframe used especially for scientific computations

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