CPU

American  

abbreviation

Computers.

1. central processing unit: the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.

---

CPU British  

abbreviation

1. central processing unit

---

CPU Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of central processing unit

---

CPU Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for c entral p rocessing u nit. The “brain” of a computer, the CPU is where data manipulation actually takes place. The results of these manipulations are then stored in the computer memory. Microprocessors perform this function in personal computers.

---

Etymology

Origin of CPU

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

CPU

A specialised aquatic rescue unit was airlifted to the area to aid in the search, the CPU said.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

The analysts now expect TSMC’s CPU revenue to hit the high $30 billion range in 2027, making up a midteen percentage of its total revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

AMD expects increasing demand for CPUs to continue, projecting the server CPU market will grow more than 50% annually to about $220 billion by 2030, Chief Executive Lisa Su says during a call with analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

Advanced Micro Devices’ server CPU revenue is projected to grow 68% to $16 billion in 2026 by Wells Fargo.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Then I draw CPU sitting on Ray’s lap.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

• disk drive
• hardware
• modem
• personal computer
• supercomputer