personal computer

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

noun

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

personal computer

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of personal computer¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Personal-systems revenue came in at $10.4 billion, up 8% from the prior year, driven in part by rising demand for AI personal computers and the introduction of the Windows 11 operating system.

Read more on Barron's

The move also comes as HP faces higher costs in its personal computers business as a surge in AI demand from data centers drives up the price of memory chips.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She developed a reputation as a giant slayer by outcompeting market-leader Intel a decade ago to take the lead in producing central processing units, or CPUs, for personal computers and data centers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Deregulation, globalization and personal computers transformed the concept of office work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr Pichai points out that every decade or so come these "inflection points": the personal computer, then the internet in the late 1990s, followed by mobile and cloud.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• desktop computer www.thesaurus.com
• laptop 
• minicomputer 
• workstation