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

See Examples For:

personal computer

Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg called Monday for lower barriers for open source AI, as his company introduced a new model that can run on a personal computer.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

The steam engine, assembly line and personal computer displaced jobs while giving life to industries no committee could foresee.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

Time magazine named the personal computer its "Machine of the Year" in 1982.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 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

But then—boom! — the personal computer revolution happened, and they had their ten thousand hours in.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• desktop computer
• laptop
• minicomputer
• workstation