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

---

personal computer British  

noun

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

---

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

---

personal computer Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of personal computer

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

This newspaper’s first mention of Apple was all the way back on April 17, 1978, buried in the 16th paragraph of a story on Page 40 about investors with a secret weapon: the personal computer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Ding downloaded the trade secrets to his personal computer less than two weeks before he resigned from Google in December 2023, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The firm has heard strong signals from personal computer manufacturers about Intel’s products at and since the CES tech conference, it said.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

If January 1975 was the dawn of the personal computer age, then who would be in the best position to take advantage of it?

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• desktop computer
• laptop
• minicomputer
• workstation