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

The personal computer and killer apps such as spreadsheets fueled an explosion of demand that far offset that falling price: between 1974 and 1984, business investment in computers and peripherals tripled to 0.8% of GDP.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Generative AI is being incorporated into the workplace at a rapid pace, as fast as the personal computer and faster than the internet was.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Laptop chipmakers such as Intel and AMD should be worried about their new rival Nvidia, experts say, after the US hardware titan announced Monday a push into the personal computer market.

From Barron's ● Jun. 1, 2026

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

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