mainframe

American  

[meyn-freym] / ˈmeɪnˌfreɪm /

noun

Computers.

1. a large computer, often the hub of a system serving many users.

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mainframe British  

/ ˈmeɪnˌfreɪm /

noun

1. 1. a high-speed general-purpose computer, usually with a large storage capacity

   2. ( as modifier )

      mainframe systems

2. the central processing unit of a computer

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mainframe Scientific  

/ mān′frām′ /

1. A large, often powerful computer, usually dedicated to lengthy, complex calculations or set up for use by many people simultaneously.

2. Compare personal computer

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mainframe Cultural  

1. A large, powerful computer system. A mainframe computer typically carries out complex calculations and is shared by many users. (Compare personal computer.)

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Etymology

Origin of mainframe

First recorded in 1960–65; main ¹ + frame

Compare meaning

How does mainframe compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mainframe vs. supercomputer

Example Sentences

“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka,” James told reporters.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

In February, IBM stock posted its worst decline in 25 years—tumbling sharply on news that Anthropic had released AI tools that could help with modernizing Cobol, a programming language mainly run on IBM mainframe computers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

“But the COBOL-based mainframe remains deeply embedded in large enterprises.”

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“The mainframe serves as the backbone for the world’s largest enterprises managing the most complex and critical workloads,” Woodring wrote, ticking off banking systems, airline reservations, and transaction processing as a few examples.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“But hacking into the mainframe is. It’s not our fault MI6 doesn’t know where it is.”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer