French word

ordinateur

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔʁdinatœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncomputer

Example

Mon ordinateur ne marche plus.

My computer no longer works.

Illustration for ordinateur (computer)

More examples

Je me connecte à l'ordinateur pour vérifier mes e-mails.

I connect to the computer to check my emails.

Core concept

An electronic machine that turns programmed instructions and input into organized output.

Common phrases

  • allumer l'ordinateur

    turn on the computer

  • éteindre l'ordinateur

    turn off the computer

  • se connecter à l'ordinateur

    connect to the computer

Similar words

ordi: A shortened, colloquial term for a personal computer.
ordinateur portable: A computer with a notebook design that can be carried easily.
ordinateur de bureau: A fixed computer used on a desk rather than carried around.
PC: A personal-use computer, as opposed to a shared or specialized system.

Definition in French

Appareil électronique qui traite des données selon des programmes et exécute des tâches.

Word origin

French ordinateur comes from Latin ordinare, 'to put in order', through ordinator, an agent noun for one who orders.

Usage tips

  • Ordi is a common informal shortening of ordinateur, especially in everyday speech.

Word lists with this word