word processor

American  

noun

1. a computer program or computer system designed for word processing.

2. a person who performs word processing.

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word processor British  

noun

1. 1. a computer program that performs word processing

   2. a computer system designed for word processing

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Etymology

Origin of word processor

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Leading the way—briefly—was Harvard-educated inventor An Wang, whose engineers developed a landmark early word processor called the Wangwriter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

In this complex, the prime editor works like a "word processor," accurately replacing genomic information.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2024

If Josh Rottenberg uses a word processor, does that mean he’s a technician and not a journalist?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2023

And the words “1st Draft” are highlighted in yellow — though it is not clear whether that was done with a highlighter pen or with a highlight feature on a word processor.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2022

However, if you use a word processor, and you ignore all of the layout and formatting that have to do with fonts and paper, it will work equally well.

From The Project Gutenberg FAQ 2002 by Tinsley, Jim