personal computer

American  

noun

1. a compact computer that uses a microprocessor and is designed for individual use, as by a person in an office or at home or school, for such applications as word processing, data management, financial analysis, or computer games. PC

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personal computer British  

noun

1. a small inexpensive computer used in word processing, playing computer games, etc

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personal computer Scientific  

/ pûr′sə-nəl /

1. A computer built around a microprocessor for use by an individual. Personal computers have their own operating systems, software, and peripherals, and can generally be linked to networks.

2. Compare mainframe

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personal computer Cultural  

1. A computer typically used in the home, office, or school. Also a generic term for a PC Microsoft® operating system.

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Etymology

Origin of personal computer

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Monday's announcement instead focuses on a new CPU, or central processing unit, which acts like the brain of a personal computer.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Leaving his role at Compaq — the largest personal computer company at that time — to work at Apple was risky because of the company’s financial struggles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The idea of artificial intelligence, let alone a personal computer, was a fantasy at best.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Early successes in helping define and popularize the personal computer were followed by a troubled adolescence that almost proved fatal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

At university, he had been brilliant with electronics, he fixed CD players that were considered lost causes, and his was the first personal computer Obinze had ever seen.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• desktop computer
• laptop
• minicomputer
• workstation