: a flexible, general-purpose computer programming language that is derived from C (see c entry 1 sense 8) but that includes some features not found in C (such as capabilities for object-oriented programming) and that is used for writing large or complex programs that would be difficult to write in C

Examples of C++ in a Sentence

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Modems also have to operate in real time to send and receive data effectively, and C/C++ code is fast. Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026 That same year, C++ launched, Nintendo came out, and Michael Dell founded his PC company. L. David Marquet, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2025 But the open secret is that, much as theoretical physicists cannot change a tire to save their lives, most AI researchers can’t so much as write a single line of C++. Sheon Han, Wired News, 11 May 2026 Visual Studio comes with an extensive suite of tools to develop applications in C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, and more. PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for C++

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of C++ was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“C++.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/C%2B%2B. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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