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

Wells Fargo expects server CPU sales growth between 22% and 28% in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

A marquee hyperscaler choosing a brand-new server CPU is no small thing.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 25, 2026

Qualcomm unveiled a new road map for its data-center business, with a Dragonfly C1000 CPU that will power Meta’s server fleet.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

And indeed, AI agents use more CPU computing power, playing into Intel’s strength as a major supplier of those chips.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

Ray stands and CPU takes a flying leap off my lap.

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

Related Words

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